By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The 2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers Gameday 4 fixtures pitting the Netherlands against Russia and Great Britain at home opposite Belarus have been postponed, FIBA announced Friday.
Per the press release: “FIBA has announced on Friday that the games Netherlands – Russia (scheduled for February 27 in Almere) and Great Britain – Belarus (scheduled for February 28 in Newcastle), for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers, have been postponed. The decision is based on the evaluation of the current security situation.
FIBA is closely monitoring the security situation in Europe, as players’ and officials’ safety remain FIBA’s primary concern.”
The Netherlands had refused to host Russia, thus canceling the Group H game, before the official confirmation by the International Basketball Federation.
Regarding the clash between Great Britain and Belarus, the Group B Gameday 3 reverse fixture was postponed as well.
In addition, Ukraine welcoming Spain in a Group G matchup was already postponed.
2023 FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers Gameday 4 schedule and standings (first round):
Group A
Slovakia – Serbia (28/2, 18:00 CET)
Latvia – Belgium (28/2, 18:30 CET)
Standings
1. Belgium 5 (2-1)
2. Latvia 5 (2-1)
3. Serbia 5 (2-1)
4. Slovakia 3 (0-3)
Group B
Turkey – Greece (28/2, 18:00 CET)
Great Britain – Belarus PPD
Standings
1. Greece 5 (2-1)
2. Turkey 4 (1-2)
3. Belarus 3 (1-1)
4. Great Britain 3 (1-1)
Group C
Slovenia – Finland (28/2, 17:30 CET)
Sweden – Croatia (28/2, 19:00 CET)
Standings
1. Sweden 5 (2-1)
2. Finland 5 (2-1)
3. Slovenia 5 (2-1)
4. Croatia 3 (0-3)
Group D
Poland – Estonia (28/2, 18:00 CET)
Germany – Israel (28/2, 19:30 CET)
Standings
1. Israel 5 (2-1)
2. Germany 5 (2-1)
3. Estonia 5 (2-1)
4. Poland 3 (0-3)
Group E
Portugal – France (27/2, 18:00 CET)
Montenegro – Hungary (27/2, 18:00 CET)
Standings
1. France 6 (3-0)
2. Montenegro 5 (2-1)
3. Hungary 4 (1-2)
4. Portugal 3 (0-3)
Group F
Lithuania – Bosnia-Herzegovina (27/2, 18:30 CET)
Czech Republic – Bulgaria (27/2, 19:00 CET)
Standings
1. Lithuania 6 (3-0)
2. Bosnia-Herzegovina 5 (2-1)
3. Bulgaria 4 (1-2)
4. Czech Republic 3 (0-3)
Group G
North Macedonia – Georgia (27/2, 20:00 CET)
Ukraine – Spain PPD
Standings
1. Spain 6 (3-0)
2. Georgia 5 (2-1)
3. Ukraine 4 (1-2)
4. North Macedonia 3 (0-3)
Group H
Italy – Iceland (27/2, 20:30 CET)
Netherlands – Russia PPD
Standings
1. Russia 6 (3-0)
2. Iceland 5 (2-1)
3. Italy 4 (1-2)
4. Netherlands 3 (0-3)
-Top three teams of each group advance to the next round
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL