- Women's 3x3 basketball after winning the Olympic semi-final
Germany's 3x3 women's basketball team makes a stunning debut at the Olympics, reaching the semi-finals and aiming for a medal. They secured their sixth win in the final group game, beating Spain 18:15. Led by Svenja Brunckhorst, Sonja Greinacher, Elisa Mevius, and Marie Reichert, the German team finished the group stage in first place.
"I'm speechless," said Brunckhorst. "We've always found an answer, which is why we've won six games. I haven't played in a team like this in a long time, where everyone trusts each other blindly. Everyone has the same influence on offense and defense - it can't get better than this."
The semi-final against Canada will take place on Monday. Medals will also be awarded on Monday evening at the Place de la Concorde. A rematch against title favorite USA is only possible in the final.
Strong Start Thanks to Good Shooting
Greinacher gave her team a perfect start against Spain with a successful three-pointer. The German women looked focused and determined to control the game. A good shooting percentage gave them a quick 6:2 lead, but they then made too many turnovers and had to settle for a 10:10 tie.
The game remained close and exciting for the remaining five minutes. Germany briefly pulled ahead by three points, but Spain tied it at 15:15. In the final minute, Greinacher and her teammates secured the victory.
The German team had already made a strong start to the tournament with wins against co-favorites USA and Canada. The top two teams from the eight-team group advanced directly to the semi-finals.
Olympic Debut for the German Team
The modified form of streetball has gained popularity in recent years and was included in the Olympic program for the first time in 2021 in Tokyo. German teams were not involved then, and the women's title went to the USA. Games are played on a single hoop, with three players from each team on the court at a time.
The semi-final victory against Spain secured Germany's spot in the final against either Italy or Canada. Regardless of the result, this Olympic debut for the German team in 3x3 basketball has been a memorable experience.
After making history by reaching the semi-finals in Tokyo, the German women's basketball team now sets its sights on representing Europe on the global stage, with Canada as their potential opponent in the final.
