Spain debuts against the host with unlimited enthusiasm
The return of Spain to the Cup of the World could not be more imposing or more demanding: a Berlin Arena that will become a cauldron to lift up the host Germany in an intense first day this Friday. For weeks there has not been a single ticket left to attend the match, a reflection of the expectation that the event (5:45 p.m., TDP) has aroused in the country but also of the respect imposed by a Spain that, located in third place in the ranking FIBAgoes with the purpose of assaulting the throne.
The most recent antecedents paint a picture of moderate optimism for ‘The Family’. In the past Eurobasketthe Spanish deactivated the German system with unquestionable authority (60-79). Closer in time, during the summer preparation, Spain He once again demonstrated his superiority on two occasions: a decisive victory behind closed doors (68-82) and a more difficult and hard-fought victory (60-65) in the first friendly with the public. However, within the Spanish team they know that a Worldand even more so in front of the host at its premiere, it is a different ecosystem.
“We have to enjoy every day and compete every game,” explained coach Miguel Mendezanalyzing the sensations and nerves before the debut.
Germany, for its part, is experiencing a mystical moment. After 28 years of absence from the World Cup, the Germans return to the big stage with the hunger of someone who has everything to win and nothing to lose. Despite the hard blow caused by the loss of his great reference, Satou Saballythe local team has found in Leonie Fiebich an undisputed leader well known in Spain after her two awards as MVP of the Women’s League.
The German inside game is powerful and has old acquaintances of the Spanish fans, such as the historic Valencia Basket Marie Gülichor the young Frieda Buhnerwho has shone at Movistar Estudiantes. “In some positions they are higher but they will also have to read the situation the other way around: our little ones are difficult to defend, each team will show its game,” he analyzed. Mendez.
To stop them, Spain has a luxury arsenal: Megan’s solidity GustafsonRaquel’s elegance Career and the physical irruption of Awa Famnumber three in the draft. The Spanish strategy will be clear: suffocate in defense to run, impose a choral rhythm and move the ball with that characteristic speed that dismantles static defenses.
USA against China: duel of powers
Caitlin Clark’s United States, the top favorite to win what would be its fifth consecutive world gold, faces the current runners-up, China, at 2:15 p.m. in a premiere that reissues the last final of Sydney 2022. It will be the first major international competition with the absolute for the great stars of the tournament, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers or Angel Reese, with a team that has not lost in a World Cup since the semifinals of Brazil 2006. The Americans arrive without A’ja Wilson, one of the most decisive players in the world; in addition to the absences of Sabrina Ionescu or point guard Kelsey Plum, who were in the last World Cup.
For the Asian team, center Li Yueru (2.01 m.), one of the best Chinese players, announced on Wednesday that she will miss the World Cup due to having lost her passport. China has the World Cup ceiling, the young Zhang Ziyu who is joined by the New York Libery center Xu Han
Beyond the tactics, the match will leave fascinating personal stories, such as the confrontation between the Toronto teammates TempoMaria Count and Nyara Saballyor the battle for the rhythm of the match that the Iyana bases will fight Martin and Alexis Peterson.
On the horizon, the eternal figure of Alba Torrens emerges as the lighthouse of this selection. The captain, the only survivor of the 2010, 2014 and 2018 medals, is looking for her fourth World Cup medal to close a legendary circle.
This first assault is vital. In a Group A where every basket counts, starting by beating Germany would pave the way before facing Mali on Saturday (11:30 a.m.) and close the phase before the always electric selection of Japan on Monday the 7th (5:45 p.m.). Securing first position qualifies directly for the quarterfinals and second and third earn the right to the eighth.
The World Cup dream Spain starts in Berlinand ‘La Familia’ is ready to claim its place among the best in the world
