Germany Stuns European Champion Belgium to Reach First-Ever World Cup Semifinal
Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally delivered double-doubles as host Germany beat Belgium 93-74 in Berlin, completing a remarkable turnaround from a 30-point opening-day defeat and setting up a semifinal showdown with France.
Germany has produced the biggest result in the history of its women’s national basketball program.
Playing in front of 10,537 fans at Berlin Arena, Germany defeated reigning European champion Belgium 93-74 on Thursday, September 10, to reach the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup semifinals for the first time.
The breakthrough came only six days after Germany opened its home World Cup with an 83-53 loss to Spain. Since then, the hosts have transformed their tournament, winning every game and now moving within one victory of the World Cup final.
Leonie Fiebich finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Nyara Sabally added 16 points and 12 rebounds to earn FIBA’s Player of the Game honor. Germany shot 48 percent from the field and an impressive 60.6 percent on two-point attempts.