SAEDNEWS: Germany’s basketball team defeated Finland 98–86 in Riga to secure a spot in the European Championship final, overcoming injuries and a shaky start to move within reach of a historic double: World and European champions.
According to Saed News; Riga, Latvia – Against all odds, Germany’s basketball team has reached the final of the European Championship, defeating Finland 98–86 in a thrilling semifinal on Friday night. With only ten healthy players, the reigning world champions once again showed resilience, grit, and star power, earning themselves a chance to add a European title to their global crown.
The evening didn’t start ideally for Germany. Just hours before tip-off, the national team confirmed that Bayern Munich guard Justus Hollatz (24) would miss the rest of the tournament due to an ankle injury. He joined Johannes Voigtmann, who is still recovering from knee surgery, on the bench. That left Germany with a thin rotation – but a determined spirit.
And determination was needed. Germany fell behind 6–14 early as Franz Wagner missed his first four shots. Then came the turning point: Wagner delivered a thunderous dunk that not only cut the deficit but ignited his teammates. By the end of the first quarter, Germany had surged to a 30–26 lead, thanks in part to Dennis Schröder’s dazzling playmaking.
From there, the momentum shifted. In the second quarter, Germany extended the lead to 19 points, recalling painful memories of their 91–61 defeat to Finland in the preliminary round. By halftime, the scoreboard read 61–47 in Germany’s favor. At that moment, interim coach Alan Ibrahimagic – stepping in for Alex Mumbru, still recovering from illness – reminded the players: “We have won all our games. We have confidence. We have a clear goal.”
The Finns, however, refused to go quietly. Backed by 4,500 fans among the 10,047 in attendance, Finland mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to just six points (77–71). For Germany, the once comfortable lead was suddenly in danger.
But champions rise in crucial moments. Franz Wagner responded with another strong performance, finishing with 22 points despite a scary fall in the fourth quarter after being roughly fouled on a dunk attempt. Dennis Schröder led all scorers with 26 points, combining offensive brilliance with leadership that steadied his team.
When the final buzzer sounded, Germany had weathered the storm. The scoreboard read 98–86, and the German players celebrated with their fans – knowing they were now one win away from making history.
On Sunday evening at 8 p.m., Germany will face the winner of Greece vs. Turkey in the championship game. Victory would secure a stunning double: world champions and European champions in back-to-back years.
Captain Dennis Schröder remained focused after the semifinal triumph: “We can celebrate for a moment, but we’re not finished. The focus is on Sunday.”
For Germany, this run is about more than basketball. It is a story of resilience – overcoming injuries, setbacks, and even doubts – to stand tall on the biggest stage in Europe. With only ten healthy players, but a collective determination, Germany has shown that giants aren’t just measured by size, but by heart.
