German Women’s Basketball vs Belgian Women’s Basketball Preview: Meßman vs Sabaali Sisters, Germany’s Upset Unlikely

On July 29th, the women’s basketball group stage of the Paris Olympics will see a match between Belgium and Germany, two European teams in Group C.

The group also includes strong teams like the United States and Japan, making it a so-called ‘group of death’.

Belgium currently ranks 6th in the world, while Germany is ranked 19th. Historically, they have met six times, with Belgium leading with five wins and one loss. In the latest strength rankings, Belgium has dropped one place to remain at 3rd, while Germany is positioned as the 10th strongest team out of 12.

In preparation for the Olympics, Belgium played six friendly games recently, winning all of them by at least ten points, with an average net victory of 23.6 points per game. Their last friendly saw a win against Japan, with Emma Meßman scoring 23 points and dishing out 8 assists.

With Alemania absent due to injury, Emma Meßman has become the sole core player for Belgium. She is a former WNBA Finals MVP and was second only to Aja Wilson in the first International Basketball Federation (FIBA) MVP list. As the flag-bearer for Belgium’s Olympic delegation and a player for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA, she holds a significant presence in European basketball. Van Looy, also playing in the WNBA, brings additional strength to the team.

Germany, making their debut in the Olympic finals, participated in six friendly matches, recording a 5-1 win-loss record. Their most recent game ended in a defeat to the United States with a score of 57-84.

The German team is led by three WNBA stars, including the Sabaali sisters and Filipič, who are known for their impressive skills.

In summary, Belgium has a certain advantage in terms of strength for this match. While Germany has several talented starters, it will be challenging for them to pull off an upset due to their limited depth in the squad. Given the daunting nature of Group C, Belgium cannot afford to lose this match if they wish to advance smoothly to the next stage.

German Women’s Team: Leonie Filipič, Marie Gallix, Svenja Brinkhöster, Wilke Alexandra, Geselle Söder-Luisa, Sonja Grenacher, Sato Sabaali, Nialla Sabaali, Lena Tages, Anja Hartmann, Jennifer Claude, Simon Theresa

Belgian Women’s Team: Julie Elingmacher, Antonia Delier, Iene Joris, Kayla Lindskens, Maxeura Mbakak-Mboka, Beka Masi, Billy Masi, Emma Meßman, Bessy Munenga, Elisa Ramet, Laure Ressimon, Julie Van Looy

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