Athletes persist in their endeavors following a challenging contest on the basketball court.
The Germany basketball team has reached the quarter-finals of EuroBasket 2025, following a hard-fought victory over Portugal. Despite a challenging game, Germany emerged victorious with a score of 85:58.
In a significant development, head coach Alex Mumbru returned to the sideline after an abdominal illness, which had previously kept him from participating in the group stage. His return was welcomed by teammate and assistant coach Alan Ibrahimagic, who mentioned that Mumbru's presence would give the team a boost of energy.
The game was a tight affair, with Germany only leading by one point going into the final quarter (52:51). The last ten minutes remained a tough battle, but Germany's significantly higher quality ultimately prevailed.
Captain Dennis Schröder addressed the team after the game, expressing his pride in their performance. Schröder also acknowledged the team's depth, highlighting that everyone contributed to the win.
The team's performance from three-point range was less than ideal in the new environment. Germany made only one of 18 three-point attempts in the first half. However, Maodo Lo scored the second German three-pointer at the end of the third quarter, providing a much-needed boost.
Germany's journey does not end here, as they will face either Italy or Slovenia in the quarter-finals on Wednesday. Slovenia features NBA superstar Luka Doncic, adding an extra layer of challenge to the already difficult matchup.
Mumbru, who seemed recovered from his illness, expressed hope for a better start in the quarter-finals. He mentioned that the team had shown resilience against Portugal and was confident they could continue to perform well in the upcoming games.
The team's head coach, Alan Ibrahimagic, also noted a challenging game against Portugal but was optimistic about the team's potential. Ibrahimagic led the German team during the group phase of EuroBasket 2025 in Mumbru's absence.
The team had a tough game against underdog Portugal, winning 85:58. Despite being behind at halftime (31:32) for the first time in the tournament, Germany managed to turn the game around and secure their place in the quarter-finals.
As the team prepares for their next match, they will look to build on their resilience and continue to showcase their talent on the court. With Mumbru back on the sideline, the team seems determined to make a strong run in the quarter-finals and beyond.
