Basketball: German women lose to Croatia in European Championship qualifiers

Sensational opening phase, weak second half

The German basketball team missed their first chance to qualify for the 2023 European Championship in Slovenia and Israel. In front of 2,228 spectators in Osnabrück, the team led by national coach Walt Hopkins lost 85:76 (47:34) to Croatia on Wednesday evening. Including the break, the DBB team lost to the team around NBA player Bojan Bogdanovic with 49:39.

Satou Sabally shone in the first half, despite her lack of match practice. The 24-year-old scored 21 of her 28 points before the break. Marie Gülich contributed 17 points. Bogdanovic, who plays for the Detroit Pistons in the North American professional league NBA, was the best thrower for the Croatians with 28 points.

Croatia wins first quarter clearly

The German team started furiously and led 10:0 after three minutes. But Croatia quickly found their way into the game and won the first quarter 25:18. The hosts found it difficult against the physical defense of the Croatians, who punished every mistake. In the second quarter, however, the German team regained control of the game and took a 13-point lead at the break.

After the break, however, the guests turned the game around. The Croatians acted more aggressively in defense and played their advantages in the rebound. The German team, on the other hand, made too many turnovers and missed too many throws. In the end, the deficit was too big to make up for it.

Hopes of European Championship qualification remain

Despite the defeat, the German team's chances of qualifying for the European Championship remain intact. With a win in the return match in Croatia on Sunday (5 p.m./Magentasport), the team could secure the group victory and direct qualification. The second-placed team will go into the play-offs.