By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Poland achieved a significant victory in overtime against FIBA World Cup 2019 hosts China and advanced to the second round of the tournament.
This marks a big success for the European nation, that is looking to build up its history, as coach Michael Taylor said in the press conference that followed the game.
“Before the game, we talked in the locker room. My players wanted the world to know who they are. A lot of other European teams are respected because of their performance and – let’s say -tradition, and we’re at the beginning of building our tradition in Poland. After tonight, the world is going to know who Poland players are. I’m so proud of my players; they’re the ones who will be remembered for doing something special in their national team careers.”, Taylor commented.
Before qualifying for the FIBA World Cup of 2019, Poland had played only once in the tournament back in 1967. The competition then included just 12 teams, and the title was decided on a round-robin system.
Since then, Poland, despite having among others the services of NBA center Marcin Gortat, couldn’t make it to the World Cups, despite having 28 Eurobasket appearances.
That’s why the win over China, the hosts of this years’ World Cup, is already an important part of Poland’s sports history.
Photo credit: FIBA.basketball