Olympic Tournament in Lille - The miraculous journey of the German basketball players
After a historic quarterfinal entry at the Olympics, the German women's basketball team joyfully danced on the court. For the first time ever, the German Basketball Federation's women's team qualified for the Summer Games and has already secured a spot in the knockout round in Paris after two wins in two games. The 75:64 victory against Japan in Lille sealed their early advancement.
"This is incredible. I'm incredibly proud of this team and what they've achieved together," said head coach Lisa Thomaidis. "It's a small miracle."
Remarkable Progress
When the Canadian took over the team in 2023, German women's basketball was barely noticeable internationally. However, within a year, Thomaidis has managed to form a team that now commands respect from opponents and overcomes all obstacles.
Against Japan, WNBA pro Nyara Sabally, a crucial player, was out due to a mild concussion sustained in the Belgium game. In the second quarter, another US legionnaire, Leonie Fiebich, also went down with an injury but continued to play in pain. However, the German team remained unfazed and secured their early quarterfinal spot thanks to 33 points from star player Satou Sabally. The men's team, led by Dennis Schröder, had already achieved this on Tuesday.
Satou Sabally's race against time
"You have to deal with the ups and downs. That's what makes a great team," said Satou Sabally, who herself missed months due to a shoulder injury sustained during the qualifying tournament and has not yet played a game in the WNBA this season for the Dallas Wings.
However, the 26-year-old has won the race against time and is fit just in time for the German women's basketball team's Olympic debut. Against Japan, the leader took charge of the team after a nervous start and almost single-handedly secured a six-point lead at halftime (42:36) with 23 points.
Luxury situation before USA game
After the break, Japan came out strong and tied the game at 44:44. However, Germany weathered this tough phase, thanks in part to Fiebich's determination despite her injury, and extended their lead to ten points, which they held until the end.
The final group game against top favorite USA on Sunday is now largely inconsequential. "This is a luxury situation for us, playing against the best team in the world, but already having secured our spot," said Thomaidis. "This was our dream goal, to be able to go into this game relaxed," said Fiebich before the match against the stars of the WNBA, the strongest women's league in the world.
"I'm excited to face Team USA in Lille," mentioned Fiebich, looking forward to the upcoming game. "The German women's basketball team's impressive performance has garnered attention worldwide, especially our victory against Japan in Lille."
