FIBA World Cup European Qualifiers – Sunday preview

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net Nigeria and Tunisia became the first teams to qualify for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China after extending their unbeaten runs in the Second Round of the African Qualifiers. Germany and Greece can do the same in Europe this Sunday, as they are the only teams together with Lithuania that still have a perfect 7-0 record. Georgia - Greece (19:00 GMT+04) In the sold-out Sports Palace Tbilisi, Greece (7-0) will have the chance to book the ticket to China. However, it's not going to be easy. Thanks to the duo of Toko Shengelia and Matt Janning, Georgia (3-4) got the road win in Israel and in front of their home crowd can make one more crucial step in their quest for qualification. Greece will be missing Giorgos Printezis and Giannis Bourousis who left the roster after the big home win over Serbia. Russia - Bulgaria (18:00 GMT+03) Alexey Shved couldn't save Russia at the buzzer against the Czech Republic and now the game against Bulgaria is a must win. Both opponents are tied with a 3-4 record, one win behind Finland which currently third in group K. In theory, Russia is the better team, however, Bulgaria just a few days ago beat France. The game can end up being a dogfight until the last second. France - Finland (17:05 GMT+02) The fact that France (6-1) lost to Bulgaria and registered its first defeat in qualifiers, it's bad news for Finland (4-3). The "pack of wolves" is currently in the third place of Group K, followed by Russia (3-4) and Bulgaria (3-4). France's players want to "redeem" themselves in front of their home crowd and they simply can't make a second straight misstep. Germany - Israel (18:00 GMT+02) Like Greece, Germany (7-o) has the chance to qualify and the odds are even more favorable for them. They play at home, facing Israel which has a 3-4 record so far and the hosts will have available the NBA duo of Dennis Schroeder and Maxi Kleber. On paper, an 8-0 record for the Germans seems more than certain. Bosnia and Herzegovina - Czech Republic (20:00 GMT+02) This is simply the last chance of the hosts. It's de facto the last game of the qualifiers in which their two NBA stars, Jusuf Nurkic, and Dzanan Musa will be available. They currently have a 2-5 record and if they get this "W", their qualification chances will be mainly mathematical with four games remaining. On the other hand, the Czechs (6-1) are tied with France on the top of Group K and they are not in the mood of doing favors. It will also be the last qualifiers game for Wizards' Tomas Satoransky, so expect a real fight. Serbia - Estonia (20:15 GMT+02) After losing to Greece, Serbia (4-3) can't afford any home defeat at this point. That's bad news for Estonia (2-5), the weakest team of Group L. With the Kings duo of Bogdan Bogdanovic and Nemanja Bjelica playing in front of their home crowd, Serbia is expected to get an easy win. Photo credit: FIBA