By REYNALD MAGALLON
History beckons the two European powers taking the center stage in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup finale.
Germany and Serbia are eyeing a piece of history as they lock horns for their respective first World Cup title at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Sept. 10.
The all-European derby is set at 8:40 p.m. with a clash between USA and Canada serving as a fitting appetizer in the battle for third at 4:45 p.m.
An all-out-war is expected between the two teams as they keep their eyes on the prize even after their huge wins in the semifinals.
The Mannschaft are refusing to get too carried away by its monumental 113-111 upset win against the mighty USA team.
The Germans, according to head coach Gordie Herbert, are far from being satisfied after the big win and still hungry to seize the top seat in the world basketball food chain.
“The way we play together, we stuck together in different times when things got tough, and we had players who made some huge plays. One more to go,” said Herbert.
“We talked about it in the locker room after the game. It’s a great win, but we’re not where we want to be yet. This group of players wants to win gold,” he added.
Germany certainly has the tools to do so led by NBA point guard Dennis Schroder who has embraced the role of being the heart and soul of the team.
He has a very potent supporting cast that features the Wagner brothers, Moritz and Franz, Daniel Theis and last game’s hero Andreas Orbst.
Easier said than done though, especially an equally inspired Serbian team spearheaded by Bogdan Bogdanovic standing in their way.
For one, the Eagles are surely eager to get the unfinished business done in the finals after settling for a bridesmaid finish in the 2014 edition of the global showpiece.
Even without star Nikola Jokic, the Serbians looked to be formidable in the final showdown with Bogdanovic also having ample support from the likes of Nikola Jovic, Nikola Milutinov and Marko Guduric.
Defense, aside from its outside shooting will be the eagles biggest weapon in the finale.
“The defense starts with our guards, and it’s a chain effect for the rest of the team. Just one person messes up, and the whole chain falls apart,” said head coach Svetislav Pesic.
“The taller guys have a lot of trust in our guards and their ball pressure, the rest of the team gives them a lot of trust. That’s why they are playing with a lot of confidence,” he added.