FIBA World Basketball Cup Qual.(Europe)
The FIBA World Basketball Cup Qualification has begun. As for Europe when it comes to FIBA Qualification, there were a few surprises in the first two rounds. We bring you an overview of everything that happened in the first two rounds of FIBA Qualification in Europe.
Group A
The first favorite and the best national team in the group, Serbia had a halfway performance in the first two rounds, and it could very easily have happened to record both defeats. First, they defeated Latvia in a game in which both teams scored over 100 points, and then, after a convincing advantage against Belgium, they suffered a defeat in the last quarter. Belgium easily defeated Slovakia, which was much better in the duel against Latvia but was defeated in that game in the end. It seems that the Slovaks still have the least chance of passing to the next phase of the competition.
Group B
As for this group, it could be very exciting until the very end of the qualification. All national teams have one victory. The sensational victory of Great Britain against Greece should be singled out, while the victory of Belarus against Turkey is a bit less of a surprise because the Turks have been able to record similar defeats against weaker national teams in the past. It is realistic to expect that Turkey and Greece will pass to the next round of qualifications and that Belarus and Great Britain will fight for the remaining place.
Group C
Croatia has big problems in this group. They recorded two defeats and will have to make a good effort in the continuation of the qualifications for the placement in the next round. Slovenia started well and with two victories with one foot, and they are already in the next phase. One victory in the next four rounds will be enough for them to go further. Neighbors from Scandinavia, Sweden, and Finland have one victory and one defeat. Together with the Croats, they will lead the fight to move on. The Croats do not look good for now and will have to provide much better games if they do not want to miss another World Cup.
Group D
In this group, Israel recorded two victories against Poland and Estonia and has a great chance of finding itself in the next round of qualifications. Estonia made a surprise by celebrating in Germany, so that victory will mean a lot to them in the continuation of the qualifications. Germany managed to beat Poland, which will have to play better in the continuation after two initial defeats. It should be expected that Israel and Germany will be in the next round. Estonia and Poland will fight for the remaining place.
Group E
France justified the role of the favorite and recorded two sure victories. Montenegro held up well against the mentioned French and defeated Portugal, which is objectively the weakest team in the group. The Hungarians have made the same impact as Montenegro and should be expected to advance to the next phase. It is a great success for Portugal that they managed to find themselves in this round of qualifications. They will be satisfied if they record a victory in this group.
Group F
In this group, the two national teams stood out for their quality. Lithuania and Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded two victories against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. As things stand now, the two leading national teams will fight for the first place. The other two national teams will lead the battle for placement in the further part of the competition. Lithuania should be given a slight advantage over the Bosnians, while the Czechs should be given an advantage over the Bulgarians.
Group G
Spain has shown that it is convincingly the best national team in the group. Spain achieved two convincing victories against Northern Macedonia and Georgia. The Macedonians passed the pre-qualification. It seems that they are the weakest national team in this group, considering that they recorded two convincing defeats. They should be given less chances to go further in relation to Ukraine and Georgia, which have one victory and one defeat after the first two rounds. In general, the current world champion in this group has no competition that could seriously threaten them, so we should expect all six victories of Spain.
Group H
Russia started the qualifications in this group very well. The Russians achieved two convincing victories against Italy and Iceland. The Italians were almost embarrassed because they almost lost to the Netherlands at home, while they suffered a terrible defeat to Russia. The Dutch will fight Iceland for a place in the next round. In the first direct duel, the Icelanders celebrated on the visiting field. Russia is one foot in the next phase of the competition. The Italians should not have any major problems with moving on.