Second World Cup Game, Clear Improvement: German Women Beat Japan

Germany needed a response after its 53-83 opening-game defeat to Spain, and it delivered one against Japan. The hosts won 74-58 in Berlin, putting their path to the knockout stage back under their own control.

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We did not present ourselves the way we wanted to in the opening game. Today we played much better, especially in defense. The attitude and spirit were right. I am happy for the girls that they put in such a performance. But the tournament continues.

The improvement was clearest on defense. Germany took an early 7-2 lead and played with the energy that had been missing against Spain. Frieda Bühner led all German scorers with 19 points, followed by Nyara Sabally with 18, Marie Gülich with 11 and Emma Eichmeyer with 10. The sold-out Max-Schmeling-Halle drew 8,367 spectators.

Germany also had to cope with the absence of point guard Alexis Peterson, who missed the game because of an infection and remained at the team hotel. Coach Olaf Lange said the squad had enough depth to cover the loss. “If someone is sick, the next player has to step up. That is why we have a deep squad and many players who can fill those gaps,” he said.

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It was also a small wake-up call for us.

The victory followed a difficult opening day for the hosts. Gülich described the loss to Spain as “a small wake-up call,” while captain Leonie Fiebich’s plan had been to recover, eat, sleep and focus fully on Japan. Lange said the team had defended much better and showed the right attitude, but warned that the tournament was continuing.

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If someone is sick, the next player has to step up. That is why we have a deep squad and many players who can fill those gaps.

The group standings became unusually tight after Mali beat Spain 82-73. Mali, which had won only one previous World Cup game, now joined Germany, Japan and Spain on three points. Germany will face Mali on Monday after a rest day. A further victory guarantees qualification. The group winner advances directly to the quarterfinals, while the second- and third-placed teams enter play-ins for the remaining places.

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It is a crazy group.