USA against Germany - Basketball summit at Olympia earliest in Paris
Basketball World Champion Franz Wagner expects significantly stronger opponents than just Gold Favorite USA at the Olympics. "Every game will be extremely challenging. I'm just looking forward to it. It's going to be a cool competition," said the Orlando Magic professional after his team's narrow 88:92 loss to the Olympic champion in London. The German team and the selection around superstar LeBron James had previously delivered a spectacular duel with many notable highlights.
At the Olympic basketball tournament, there is a possibility of a rematch on the court in Paris. The quarterfinals, semifinals, and games for gold and bronze will take place there. The entire preliminary round will be played by the teams at the Lille Football Stadium, where Germany plays outsider Japan on Saturday (13.30 pm) and the USA faces second-place Serbia on Sunday (17.15 pm) for the first time.
James stood out. Another highlight awaits the 39-year-old professional of the Los Angeles Lakers before the tournament: He will carry the flag of the US team at the Opening Ceremony on Friday. Whether German captain Dennis Schröder also has this honor will be announced on Thursday. Regarding a possible visit to the Opening Ceremony, Franz Wagner said: "We'll see about that. The ceremony is part of the special thing about the Olympics. We have to decide and discuss that."
- Franz Wagner, a member of the United States' National Basketball team and Orlando Magic professional, anticipates tougher opponents than just Gold Favorite USA at the International Olympic Games.
- The Olympic basketball tournament in Paris might include a court rematch between Germany and the United States of America, echoing their intense duel in London.
- The Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner shares the expectation of an exciting competition, with the German team set to challenge Japan at Lille Football Stadium on Saturday.
- The USA faces Serbia for the first time in the preliminary round on Sunday at the same stadium, further heating up the Olympic basketball tournament atmosphere.
- LeBron James, an American basketball superstar and Lakers professional, was a standout during Germany's challenge, with an additional stimulating event in store: carrying the flag for the US team at the Opening Ceremony in Paris.
- In the meantime, it remains uncertain if German captain Dennis Schröder will receive the same honor, with an announcement expected on Thursday.
- Lille's football arena will host the preliminary round games for various teams, including the United Kingdom's potential Olympic contenders, making their way towards the quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal-winning games in Paris, much like the past victories in Olympia or Orlando Magic's triumphs.
