Germany made headlines on Friday by defeating the United States in the semifinals. Even though the team was without stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry in the tournament, it was a huge stunt.
Germany reached the final for the first time, defeating the top seed and record holder (five World Cup titles). The first two quarter-finals were evenly matched against Serbia. At the half, the score was tied 47-47 in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
In the third quarter, Germany continued to pull away, led by star man Dennis Schröder. The Toronto Raptors player scored 28 points to become the Finals Most Valuable Player.
Until Sunday, Germany’s best finish was third in 2002. Four years ago, the country got no higher than a disappointing eighteenth place. Defending champions Spain were already eliminated last weekend.
USA also floundered in the consolation finals
After a sensational loss to Germany, US national coach Steve Kerr’s team was left with only the consolation final. It was surprisingly beaten by Canada. The score was tied after four quarters, after which Canada struck in overtime: 127-118.
It was Canada’s first World Cup medal, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points, 12 assists) and Dillon Brooks (39 points) leading the battle for bronze. The pair play as a club in the highest American competition.
This is the second time for the USA that the basketball powerhouse has missed out on a medal at the World Cup. In 2019, the defending world champions, the United States, finished seventh, their worst performance since 2002 (sixth).
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