By Antigoni Zachari / info@eurohoops.net
The second round of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers “windows” is upon us. Teams will fight to seal a spot in the 2019 World Cup, starting off this evening.
Six duels are scheduled for Thursday’s European qualifiers. Let’s take a look below!
Bulgaria – France (18:00 GMT +3)
France currently ranks first in Group K, with a total of six wins in respective games and looks to expand its winning streak this September.
On the other end, Bulgaria’s 2-4 record leaves no choice but to try and turn the tables around in order to qualify.
Czech Republic – Russia (18:00 GMT +2)
The Czechs will face Russia in the presence of Jan Vesely and Tomas Satoransky, a huge boost to remain in the qualification race. Czech Republic’s 5-1 record places them behind France in Group K.
Russia holds an even record of wins and losses from the first round (3-3) and seeks to remain in the top 3 of the group.
Finland – Bosnia and Herzegovina (19:00 GMT +3)
Finland will miss Lauri Markkanen this time around and will have to overcome victory-hungry Dzanan Musa and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Finnish currently hold a 3-3 record (same as Russia) and rank 4th in Group K, while Bosnia follows at the bottom of the group with just two victories from the first round.
Estonia – Germany (19:00 GMT +3)
With Dennis Schroder and Maxi Kleber on board, Germany’s job against Estonia should be fairly easy on Thursday evening.
The Germans finished the first round undefeated and lead Group L along with also undefeated Greece. Things are tougher for Estonia, that has to fight back from the bottom of the group and improve its 2-4 record.
Israel – Georgia (20:00 GMT +3)
Georgia and Israel are on to a big battle in Group L. Currently, both are off the qualification race as they finished the first round with two and three wins respectively.
The winner of this battle will for sure head into the next game with motivation to exceed expectations.
Greece – Serbia (21:00 GMT +3)
Probably the most exciting duel of the day. Greece looks to keep its undefeated record and Serbia wants a win of morale in the house of a tough opponent.
With Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nemanja Bjelica present, the Serbs seek to improve their 5-1 record that placed them at the third position of Group L in the first round of the qualifiers.
Head photo credit: Eurokinissi