Tag: Germany

Rudiger on Qatar hosting World Cup: It showed that money plays a crucial role

“Awarding them [the World Cup] was not a decision made for the fans and the players”

Antonio Rüdiger has hit out at FIFA’s decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar, saying it showed that money, not the fans or players, was the most important factor.

Qatar’s bid has been plagued by accusations of corruption and bribery, with U.S. authorities alleging several members of FIFA’s executive committee accepted bribes in exchange for voting for Qatar.

Human rights in Qatar have been a major talking point as well since the country won the right to host in 2010, with the treatment of migrant workers, women and the LGBTQ community particularly controversial.

Germany and Real Madrid defender Rüdiger criticized Qatar hosting the tournament in an interview with SPORT1, but rejected suggestions that players should be charged with the decision to boycott the World Cup.

“Awarding them [the World Cup] was not a decision made for the fans and the players,” Rüdiger said. “It showed that money plays a crucial role in the world of football.

“I see the debate about a boycott as something that the institutions have to carry out, not the players. Of course we have to look at things critically and we have done so.”

Former Germany defender Philipp Lahm has already made it clear that he would not be making the trip to Qatar in November.

“Human rights should play the biggest role in the awarding of a tournament,” Lahm said in August. “If a country is awarded the event that is one of the worst performers in this regard, you start to think about the criteria used to make the decision.”

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EuroBasket 2022 semifinal: Usman Garuba shines as Spain advances past Germany

Rockets prospect Usman Garuba continues to play very well as a defender and facilitator for Spain, which advanced Friday to the EuroBasket 2022 championship.

Houston Rockets prospect Usman Garuba isn’t starting for Spain at the 2022 European Basketball Championship (EuroBasket), owing to the veteran frontcourt duo of Willy and Juancho Hernangomez. But the 20-year-old forward is still playing a critical role.

“Our idea was that Lorenzo (Brown) would lead the team in attack, and Usman in defense,” Spanish national team coach Sergio Scariolo said of Garuba earlier this week. “He is an extraordinary defender. He can change everything. He has a big heart. He makes mistakes, of course. He is very young, but we trust him a lot.”

That was certainly on display in Friday’s semifinal versus favored Germany, where Garuba played a key role in the second half as a defender and facilitator. With the 6-foot-8 forward leading much of the charge, Spain rallied from a 10-point deficit late in the third quarter to defeat Germany, 96-91 (box score). Germany had two former Rockets on its roster in Dennis Schroder and Daniel Theis, who were each teammates with Garuba during the 2021-22 season.

In 18 minutes, Garuba had a team-high 7 assists, 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots, and Spain was +8 with Garuba on the floor. With the game played in a raucous, primetime environment in Berlin, Spain was a moderate underdog entering Friday’s action.

Scroll on for a look at highlights and analysis of Garuba’s play. Spain will conclude its EuroBasket run with Sunday’s championship game versus France, which takes place at 1:30 Central time.

Garuba will then travel back to his NBA home of Houston over the following days, where training camp for the 2022-23 Rockets season is set to begin on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

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Greece, Giannis Antetokounmpo eliminated from Eurobasket

Eric Nehm: FINAL: Germany 107, Greece 96 Greece has been eliminated from Eurobasket 2022, while Germany moves to the semifinals vs. Spain. Greece: 9-29 from 3 Germany: 17-31 from 3 Giannis Antetokounmpo: 31pts/7reb/8ast in 30 minutes Source: Twitter …

Eric Nehm: FINAL: Germany 107, Greece 96 Greece has been eliminated from Eurobasket 2022, while Germany moves to the semifinals vs. Spain. Greece: 9-29 from 3 Germany: 17-31 from 3 Giannis Antetokounmpo: 31pts/7reb/8ast in 30 minutes

Source: Twitter @eric_nehm

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo only had 2⃣ fouls in the entire game vs 🇩🇪 Germany, both unsportsmanlike 😳 #EuroBasket – 4:47 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo gets EJECTED as Germany eliminates Greece and reaches the EuroBasket 2022 semifinal 🔥
It was raining threes in Berlin as Franz Wagner, Dennis Schroder, and others were doing the job:
basketnews.com/news-177926-gi… – 4:43 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Germany’s offense was too much for Greece as Giannis Antetokounmpo and company are eliminated.
The German team is BACK in the EuroBasket Top 4 for the first time since the silver medal run of 2005
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 4:39 PM
Mark Woods @markbritball
Germany land a #eurobasket semi-final against Spain with a 107-96 upset of Greece.
18-1 run at the start of the third spurred the hosts.
Dennis Schroder had 26 points before his ejection with 3 mins left.
Giannis had 31p, 7r and 8a but an international title still elusive – 4:39 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Daniel Theis and Germany take down Giannis and Greece and they’re on to the semi-finals of EuroBasket. They’ll take on Spain next. Germany guaranteed 2 more games – even in a loss to Spain, they would play in the third-place game. – 4:39 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
FINAL: Germany 107, Greece 96
Greece has been eliminated from Eurobasket 2022, while Germany moves to the semifinals vs. Spain.
Greece: 9-29 from 3
Germany: 17-31 from 3
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 31pts/7reb/8ast in 30 minutes – 4:39 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
So 2/3 of #Eurobasket2022 superstars (Jokic and Giannis) are out in qtrs. Luka is the only one left. Slovenia-Poland qtr final 1:30 CT tomorrow. – 4:38 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
The #EuroBasket semi-finals won’t have 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo and 🇷🇸 Nikola Jokic 🤯 pic.twitter.com/QSyuHad5AL – 4:34 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
This really did happen: 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo was ejected from the game with 5 minutes left 🤯 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/dZ31Iyx8Vd – 4:30 PM

Tas Melas @TasMelas
That Giannis Antetokounmpo was bogus. The NBA would (rightly) never let that second “unsportsmanlike foul” call happen. – 4:28 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Giannis with the second unsportsmanlike foul, his game is over #EuroBasket2022 – 4:24 PM
Mark Woods @markbritball
Refs just ejected Giannis with Greece down 96-82 to Germany and 5 mins left. Another #EuroBasket shock on the cards. – 4:23 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
It’s all over but the shouting. Giannis just got kicked out of the game for a flagrant unsportsmanlike foul. – 4:23 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Giannis Antetokounmpo was just given his second unsportsmanlike foul of the game on review and he has been ejected from the game.
With 4:56 left, Germany leads 96-82.
Antetokounmpo put up 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in 30 minutes. – 4:23 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis finished the game vs Germany with 4:56 remaining
31 points
13-22 FG
4-8 FT
7 rebounds
8 assists
3 steals
#GERGRE #EuroBasket – 4:23 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis EJECTED from the game with a second unsportsmanlike foul
Five minutes left, Germany leads 96-82 pic.twitter.com/tYlAlVvzl0 – 4:22 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO GETS EJECTED FROM THE GAME 😱 #EuroBasket – 4:21 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis tried to cut Germany’s lead almost all alone. This is not gonna work in any space. Gremans are controlling the tempo easliy. Terrible 2nd half for Greece #GERGRE #EuroBasket – 4:21 PM
Evan Sidery @esidery
Franz Wagner looks to be taking the Year 2 leap putting together a dominant EuroBasket performance. Beautiful step-back three on Giannis Antetokounmpo as Germany leads Greece. pic.twitter.com/JdsMsv6UgY – 4:20 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Franz Wagner stepback over Giannis 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/rGlyqeTJyj – 4:17 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 7/10 Greece’s points and all of their FGs in 3rd 🇬🇷 😬 #EuroBasket – 4:06 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
The Greeks were able to chip away at the deficit, but still trail Germany, 83-71, after three quarters.
Antetokounmpo has 27 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists in 26 minutes and 41 seconds. (He played the whole third quarter.) – 4:04 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Giannis drawing quintuple-teams at EuroBasket 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZYesKDn7Ht – 4:04 PM

Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Unreal defense on Giannis. Incredible. Four guys closing in every time he gets the ball in the perimeter. – 4:01 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Giannis and Greece in BIG trouble in a road game in Berlin. Germany on a 20-1 run to start 3rd qtr and leading 77-62. – 3:56 PM
Emiliano Carchia @Carchia
Germany’s defense on Giannis in this third quarter is UNREAL – 3:54 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Germany has changed their defensive coverages up a bit and they’re switching Schroder onto Antetokounmpo more willingly, but Greece just hasn’t been able to take advantage of that mismatch yet. – 3:46 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
If you think 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo might have a poor first half again, think again.
The Greek Freak with 1⃣9⃣ points, 5⃣ rebounds & 8⃣ (!) assists after the two quarters vs 🇩🇪 Germany 🔥
#EuroBasket – 3:25 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first half against Germany:
19 points
8/11 FG
0/2 3FG
3/5 FT
5 rebounds
8 assists
1 steal
3 turnover
Triple-double watch. – 3:23 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Germany (1st half)
19 points
8-11 FG
3-5 FT
5 rebounds
8 assists
1 steal
in 16 minutes
#GERGRE #EuroBasket – 3:20 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
The official just talked to Giannis Antetokounmpo after he threw the ball back to him on his second free throw attempt.
Hit both though. And Greece leads, 46-44. – 3:14 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
They have been fighting hard throughout this first half and Greece has now tied the game at 44 just a few minutes before halftime.
Antetokounmpo with 15pts/5reb/6ast. – 3:10 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
🇩🇪 Dennis Schroder loves seeing 🇬🇷 Giannis Antetokounmpo getting an unsportsmanlike foul😁 #EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/6jv0FpwlX0 – 3:09 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
International players in 2022:
Jokic —
27/14/8
58/34/81%
Giannis —
30/12/6
55/29/72%
Embiid —
31/12/4
50/37/81%
Luka —
28/9/9
46/35/74%
All were top 5 in the MVP race. pic.twitter.com/4FtvV5ItKu – 3:07 PM

Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
After one quarter, Germany leads, 31-27.
Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 13 points (6-7 FG), four rebounds and four assists in the first 8 minutes and 18 seconds.
Curious to see how much rest he ends up getting in today’s game. – 2:53 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
31-27 lead for Germany
13 p. 4 r. 4 as. for Giannis in 8 minutes pic.twitter.com/kX0DrChps6 – 2:52 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first quarter against Germany:
13 points
6/7 FG
0/1 3FG
1/3 FT
4 rebounds
4 assists – 2:49 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
That’s a calm and composed first seven minutes from Greece. They could have lost their heads as the Germans hit 7 of their first 8 3-point attempts, but instead they just kept with them.
Antetokounmpo has 13 points on 6-of-7 FG. Germany up, 28-25, with 2:50 left in Q1. – 2:46 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Giannis Antetokounmpo put Greece on his after the sluggish start. Greece cut Germany’s lead to 3 (28-25) #GERGRE #EuroBasket – 2:45 PM
Dionysis Aravantinos @AravantinosDA
Giannis going to have to score 40+ for Greece to beat Germany. – 2:43 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Greece and Mavericks’ guard Tyler Dorsey and some guy named Giannis will take on host Germany in the EuroBasket quarterfinals at 1:30 Dallas time. It’ll be a home game for the Germans as it will be in Berlin. You can watch on the ESPN platforms or keep it here for updates. – 1:17 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Gianmarco Pozzecco met Giannis Antetokounmpo in the elevator the next day and apologized for his famous jump 🙌
The Greek Freak started laughing 🤣 pic.twitter.com/e15jiF1dvQ – 11:26 AM

Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
Gianmarco Pozzecco apologized to Giannis Antetokounmpo the next day he met him in the elevator.
Italy’s coach also shared a strange situation in the locker room when he was ejected vs. Serbia.
Full story:
basketnews.com/news-177901-gi… – 6:50 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Gianmarco Pozzecco was ecstatic after the win against Serbia, even hugging and kissing Giannis Antetokounmpo along the way.
Now, the two met again, and the coach explained everything about it 👇
basketnews.com/news-177901-gi… – 6:47 AM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Giannis scored 50 in a Finals close out game.
It had been three or four months since I’d tweeted that I want to do my part to make sure it’s never forgotten. – 8:17 PM

More on this storyline

Germany coach Gordon Herbert will form a plan to limit Giannis Antetokounmpo’s action ahead of the EuroBasket quarterfinal game (13/9) of his national team against Greece while being aware that stopping the Greek Freak is easier said than done. -via EuroHoops.net / September 12, 2022
When asked about which elements will decide the game’s outcome, Herbert mentioned three specifically: “No. 1: Defensive transition is going to be very important,” Herbert said. “No. 2 is if we can contain Giannis. I don’t know how yet. Hopefully tomorrow, I’ll figure it out a little bit. No. 3 is to come out and play our game.” -via EuroHoops.net / September 12, 2022

USWNT to host Germany in two November friendlies

The top two teams in FIFA’s world rankings will face off in Florida and New Jersey

The U.S. women’s national team will face Germany in a pair of November friendlies, U.S. Soccer announced on Tuesday.

The USWNT will face the Euro 2022 runner-up on November 10 at DRV PNK Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (7 p.m. ET on FS1) and on November 13 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. (5 p.m. ET on ESPN).

The matches will pit the top two teams in FIFA’s current world rankings, with the USWNT in first and Germany in second.

The games will also cap off a difficult set of tests against European powers to close out 2022, with the USWNT set to travel to face England and Spain in October.

“Playing Germany in the final matches of the year will be ideal for our World Cup preparations for all of our players and coaching staff, but it’s also fantastic for all the fans,” said U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski in a federation release.

“USA-Germany is always one of the most entertaining match-ups in women’s international soccer and it’s a rivalry that has some wonderful history as well.”

The games will mark the first time the USWNT has faced Germany since a 1-0 win in the 2018 SheBelieves Cup. Overall, the U.S. has a 22-4-7 record against Germany.

Every Women’s World Cup final has featured one of either the USWNT or Germany, though the two have never actually met in a final. Germany is the only country aside from the U.S. to have won the competition more than once.

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Franz Wagner sprains right ankle

Khobi Price: Germany head coach Gordon Herbert says Franz Wagner has a “pretty bad sprain” after rolling his right ankle on a defender’s foot on the 3-point attempt during the 3Q of Germany-Montenegro. Source: Twitter @khobi_price What’s the buzz on …

Khobi Price: Germany head coach Gordon Herbert says Franz Wagner has a “pretty bad sprain” after rolling his right ankle on a defender’s foot on the 3-point attempt during the 3Q of Germany-Montenegro.

Source: Twitter @khobi_price

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Franz Wagner (14pts, 5rebs) didn’t play at all in the 4th quarter. His absence was really crucial because he brings versatility and stability on both ends for Grermany. It was a main reason for Montenegro’s return in 4th. #KoerbeFuerD #EuroBasket #MagicTogether – 2:05 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
That right ankle injury for Franz Wagner didn’t look good. Came down on a defender on a jumper. – 1:12 PM
Christos Tsaltas @Tsaltas46
Franz Wagner at #EuroBasket 2022 (5 games)
16.2 points
4 rebounds
1.4 assists
53.6% FG
50% 3P
100% FT
Next stop? Round of 16! #KoerbeFuerD #MagicTogether – 4:48 PM

More on this storyline

It was Jonas Valanciunas’ best game wearing the Lithuanian national team shirt. His dominance was felt throughout the entire game. Not only did he almost singlehandedly fouled out Daniel Theis and Johannes Thiemann, but the center also recorded 34 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, made 5 assists, and drew 13 fouls during the game. On the other side of the court, Franz Wagner was phenomenal. Although the Orlando Magic forward was not that noticeable during the two overtimes, he scored 32 points on 8-for-13 shooting and grabbed 8 rebounds in just his fourth official game with the German national team’s shirt. -via BasketNews / September 4, 2022
Christos Tsaltas: Germany beat Slovenia at Audi Dome, Munich in dominant fashion (90-71) Dennis Schroder 17pts, 10asts, 3 rebs, 2 stls Franz Wagner 16pts, 7rebs, 2asts Johannes Voigtmann 11pts, 14rebs, 2asts #KoerbeFuerD #MojTim #FIBAWC -via Twitter @Tsaltas46 / August 28, 2022
Christos Tsaltas: Franz Wagner shined over the last 2 games with German national team vs Sweden: 16 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts, 2 stls, 2 blks, 7-16 FG vs Slovenia: 16 pts, 7 rebs, 2 asts, 7-15 FG 16 pts / 6 rebs / 3.5 asts / 45.1% FG per game Development proof #KoerbeFuerD #MagicTogether #EuroBasket -via Twitter @Tsaltas46 / August 28, 2022

Germany beats France in Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement night

A big night of basketball in Cologne ended with a triumph. After Dirk Nowitzki’s German national team jersey retirement (with the presence of Mark Cuban, Jason Kidd, Mike Finley, and Luka Doncic), Germany made local fans even happier by beating …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Germany’s perfect night, from emotion for Dirk to win against France #EuroBasket
eurohoops.net/en/eurobasket/… – 4:58 PM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
No other player in the German national team’s future will wear Dirk Nowitzki’s #14 jersey again.
The Dallas Mavericks legend was honored in front of thousands of fans and Mavericks legends 💙
basketnews.com/news-177263-di… – 4:10 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
After his ceremony, Dirk Nowitzki walked over to hug each of the German national team players coming out for warmups — and then all the French players, too.
Classic Dirk. pic.twitter.com/x6GAZOCwN3 – 3:20 PM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Dirk Nowitzki gets his No. 14 jersey retired by Germany 🇩🇪
(via @EuroBasket)
pic.twitter.com/ik30WYQKDZ – 3:05 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Here’s part of Dirk Nowitzki’s thank you to Mark Cuban, the only part of his speech in English.
There were a whole lotta Mavs highlights, specifically from the championship and his last home game, during the pre-speech montage. pic.twitter.com/SX6sFUFQbQ – 2:38 PM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Dirk Nowitzki gets his jersey retired by the German basketball federation 🇩🇪👏 pic.twitter.com/QUFOslRnwT – 2:32 PM

Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Germany and FIBA spared no expense with lighting and pyrotechnics as Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 14 jersey enters the rafters.
(Peep that shot on the jumbotron of Luka Doncic watching intently, again) pic.twitter.com/izzsZ1bmMN – 2:31 PM

Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
When you randomly hit the Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and have seconds to think of a few short questions. That’s the beauty of FIBA competitions in our job.
Cuban on FIBA Luka Doncic, favorite Dirk Nowitzki NT moment & untold ties with Lithuania: basketnews.com/news-177242-ma… – 2:08 PM
Callie Caplan @CallieCaplan
Luka Doncic didn’t do interviews after his game, but he’s back in sweats at the court now, sitting with the Mavs’ brass for Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement ceremony. pic.twitter.com/DdKtdswGKa – 2:05 PM

Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Mark Cuban, Jason Kidd, Nico Harrison and Michael Finley are among the Mavericks’ contingent in Cologne to watch Luka Doncic play for Slovenia Dirk Nowitzki get his German number retired. – 11:06 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Rudy Gobert shares the trait of Dirk Nowitzki that he’ll always respect him for 👏 pic.twitter.com/l1sWJwSQrk – 9:47 AM

Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
The Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and head coach Jason Kidd will attend Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 14 German national team jersey retirement ceremony in Cologne on the opening day of the EuroBasket 2022.
More: basketnews.com/news-177225-ma… – 8:45 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey will be retired this evening by the German Basketball Federation, a first in the country’s history.
Some notable famous guests are set to attend the ceremony 👀
basketnews.com/news-177225-ma… – 8:37 AM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The first three-game slate of @EuroBasket Group B play in Cologne starts in minutes … with Slovenia/Lithuania and Germany/France bookending Dirk Nowitzki’s jersey retirement ceremony.
My supersized preview of the most anticipated @EuroBasket EVER: https://t.co/0oe8OaWcSA pic.twitter.com/spblnNalfx – 8:18 AM

Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
Rudy Gobert on Dirk Nowitzki before his German NT jersey retirement ceremony in Cologne:
“He stayed true to himself throughout his life and career. Everyone has a different path, but if you stay true to yourself… It’s something that I will always respect him for.” – 8:06 AM
Donatas Urbonas @Urbodo
17.500 tickets sold and around 500 are still available for tonight’s game Germany vs. France, where Dirk Nowitzki’s No. 14 German national team jersey will be retired in a special pre-game ceremony in Cologne. pic.twitter.com/LsyBjTa0mo – 8:03 AM

BasketNews @BasketNews_com
If Rudy Gobert will have a chance to meet Dirk Nowitzki on his special night, there’s something he has to say to one of the European greats 🗣️
The message will be short
basketnews.com/news-177198-ru… – 6:41 AM
Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
Rudy Gobert busted out a one-legged fade at shootaround before France vs. Germany, when Dirk Nowitzki will get his national team number retired at halftime. pic.twitter.com/fkE55uNwKf – 6:05 AM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Unveiled earlier today at the Schokoladenmuseum in Cologne on the eve of @EuroBasket 2022: This Dirk Nowitzki statue made of chocolate as designed by artist Andreas Hoferick ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dHrL1w9il3 – 6:00 PM

More on this storyline

Maodo Lo (13 points and 5 assists) and Dennis Schroder (11 points and 5 assists) are certainly among the best of their team with their creative moves, but Niels Giffey (13 points and 4 rebounds), and especially Johannes Thiemann (14 points and 6 rebounds) as well deserve the distinction. Rudy Gobert closed the night with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds for France, while Guerschon Yabusele scored 18. -via EuroHoops.net / September 1, 2022

German basketball federation retires Dirk Nowitzki’s number

With the tournament taking place in Dirk Nowitzki’s home country, the German basketball federation (DBB) will use the opening day of the event to retire his No. 14 national team jersey. The German federation announced the plans in a news release early Tuesday. The ceremony will happen before the Germany-France game on Sept. 1 in Cologne on the opening day of the Eurobasket event. It is the first time in the 73-year history of the German basketball federation that they have retired a jersey number.

“I felt honored above all when this …

“I felt honored above all when this idea was presented to me by the DBB,” Nowitzki said in a statement. “It was a nice surprise and I’m already excited about what awaits me in Cologne. “As an ambassador of FIBA EuroBasket, I’m looking forward to exciting games with great teams and hope that the fans in Cologne and Berlin will ensure full arenas and a great atmosphere.”

Philipp Lahm is not going to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

“Human rights should play the biggest role in the awarding of a tournament”

Former Germany star Philipp Lahm has said he won’t be attending the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, citing human rights.

Qatar’s selection as host has been controversial from the start due to the country’s treatment of migrant workers, which was magnified by a report from The Guardian last year that said 6,500 migrant workers had died in the lead-up to the tournament.

There are also ongoing questions over the country’s treatment of women and the LGBT community.

In an interview with Kicker, Lahm, who is tournament director for Euro 2024 in Germany, said he would be passing on the chance to travel to Qatar later this year.

“I’m not part of the delegation and I’m not keen on flying there as a fan,” the ex-Germany international said. “I prefer to follow the tournament from home.”

“Human rights should play the biggest role in the awarding of a tournament,” Lahm added. “If a country is awarded the event that is one of the worst performers in this regard, you start to think about the criteria used to make the decision. That shouldn’t happen again in the future. Human rights, sustainability, the size of the country – none of that seems to have played a role.”

Lahm added that he expected to see the Germany squad traveling to Qatar to not keep quiet about the World Cup host.

“As a player, you can’t get around it anymore” the 38-year-old said.

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Germany got a hero’s welcome back after losing the Euro 2022 final

Thousands of fans crowded Frankfurt’s main square to welcome home the defeated finalists

Germany may have lost the Euro 2022 final to England, but the squad was still given a hero’s welcome back by thousands of fans in Frankfurt on Monday.

The previous day, Germany fell just short of a European title in a thrilling final at Wembley. Chloe Kelly’s extra-time winner gave the Lionesses a 2-1 victory on home soil in front of a record crowd.

The sting of that defeat will likely endure for a while, but seeing a huge number of fans and German flags at Frankfurt’s main square would certainly have lifted the spirits of the team’s players.

“We wanted to become European champions,” Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg said at the event. “But if the great performances have helped us to play our way into the hearts of the of the German people, we are happy to have won their hearts.”

Germany won’t have to wait long for redemption. The 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will get underway in less than a year.

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