World Cup in Berlin: ‘Through the Monsun,’ Germany’s basketball players defy adversity

After Germany’s important and liberating win over Japan, the players bounced around the court at Berlin’s Max-Schmeling-Halle. From the speakers came the song meant to carry the team through its home World Cup: “Through the Monsun” by Tokio Hotel.

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It always goes on, just like through a monsoon.

The music may not have suited all 8,367 spectators, but it means something to the German team. “It always goes on, just like through a monsoon,” captain Marie Gülich said. The message is clear: Germany intends to withstand every setback and obstacle.

There have been plenty of both this summer. Top star Satou Sabally withdrew because of injury. Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally also suffered injuries and began the long-awaited home World Cup short of full fitness. Then came an 83-53 humiliation against Spain in the opening game, cooling the excitement in the capital. Before the decisive match against Japan, playmaker Alexis Peterson also fell ill.

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We played and fought for one another. That is what makes this team.

Germany responded with a forceful 74-58 victory. The hosts played with far more aggression from the start and gave Japan’s three-point specialists few open shots. “The girls wanted to show that the team we saw against Spain was not the real team, that we can play better,” coach Olaf Lange said. “I am incredibly proud of the spirit and unity the team showed today.”

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The girls wanted to show that the team we saw against Spain was not the real team, that we can play better.

Fiebich said the squad had again pulled together when a player was unavailable. “We played and fought for one another. That is what makes this team,” she said. Germany now faces Mali in the group finale. Mali produced a surprise 82-73 win over Spain, leaving all four teams level on one win and one loss. Germany would secure at least a place in the play-ins with a victory, but every outcome from first place to elimination remains possible.

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I am incredibly proud of the spirit and unity the team showed today.