Olympic dress rehearsal: German basketball players confident against USA

World champions Germany head into Olympic dress rehearsal against USA with confidence. The gold holder, who embarrassed himself against basketball dwarf South Sudan, is vulnerable.

Dennis Schroder boarded the plane with a smile for his final Olympic dress rehearsal against LeBron James.Dream team 2.0″ – and late on Saturday evening it was probably too wide. When basketball dwarf South Sudan almost embarrassed the American superstars, it finally dawned on the German world champions: gold is a vulnerable big favorite.

“Unbeatable”

Ahead of the final and eagerly awaited endurance test in London on Monday (July 22, 2024), the skipper was confident: “There are twelve of the best players in the world in one team. Of course we have to be fully focused.”Schroeder said: “But we still have to play with confidence.” Daniel Thies also emphasized “Don't think they're invincible.”

The self-image of Manila's golden heroes has long been quite different. Especially with Schroeder, Thies and Moritz and Franz Wagner in the North American Professional Basketball League. NBA Keep measuring à la James. As a kid, Franz Wagner said, he owned a LeBron jersey and was one of his role models: “Of course part of me is still a fan. But when we play against each other, of course I want to win.”

It became clear on Saturday that it doesn't have to be a utopia. Absolutely stunning, the South Sudanese pushed James and Co. to the brink of bankruptcy with just eight seconds to spare. “King James” He prepared himself to secure a 101:100 victory against the Africans.

He simply underestimated his opponent

The shock of the million-dollar megastars was palpable despite their fourth win in just their fourth prep game. They underestimated the enemy. “If we don't play our style of basketball we can win. And our style of basketball defense.”While James tried to remain objective, trio expert Stephen Curry said. “We must continue to take one step forward”said the 39-year-old.

Americans probably won't be able to afford such a disorganized look again. Especially not against the Germans. After all, they are the main reason they are with the reigning Olympic champions, having humiliated Team USA B in the semifinals of last year's World Cup. “Basketball Avengers” Around James, Curry and Kevin Durant. “For me, the American team in Paris is stronger than the 1992 Dream Team.”Former national coach Svetislav Pesic was excited.

Herbert is looking for something real Challenge

Better than the iconic team of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird? This suits current national coach Gordon Herbert very well. The DBB team, winners of three of the four Tests so far – most recently weaker opponents Japan and the Netherlands – clearly dominated, so they knew the need for a real challenge. The Olympics start on July 27 Lily It was again anti-Japanese. His team needs this game now, says Herbert: “It's good for us to play against a tough, physical opponent.”

Mado Lowe also discovered that America is “Hard Test”That the team could be. But even this task, overwhelming as it may seem, can be solved. South Sudan has proved it.