The German basketball team is one of the medal contenders for the Olympics. Against the French team led by super talent Wembanyama, however, they were still lacking a lot in Cologne
The German national team has clearly lost its first preparatory match before the Olympic Games in Paris. They suffered a clear 66:90 (28:48) defeat against Olympic hosts France in Cologne on Saturday. Captain Dennis Schröder scored 23 points. It was his first appearance in the national team almost ten months after winning the World Championship title in Manila. In the meantime, Schröder clashed with France’s Evan Fournier, who choked him with both hands.
Schröder tried to break free after the action and go after Fournier, but was held back by his own teammates
When the initial emotions had calmed down at 23:41 from the German perspective, the two NBA players Schröder and Fournier spoke to each other again briefly. An unsportsmanlike foul was called against the German leading player. Fournier received a disqualifying foul and had to leave the court early in front of 18,000 spectators
Wagner brothers and Theis do not play
The NBA pros Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner and Daniel Theis did not even play in front of 18,500 spectators, including the national handball team. The German Basketball Association (DBB) announced this shortly before the start of the game. The reason is the contractual situation of the three professionals, who have not yet been able to sign a new contract in the NBA. This creates difficulties with the insurance.
At least the Wagner brothers Franz and Moritz, who have already agreed a new contract with the Orlando Magic, should be present for the new duel with the French in Montpellier on Monday (9 p.m.).
France was led by its two giants Victor Wembanyama (2.23 meters) and Rudy Gobert (2.16 meters). Wembanyama, who has set Olympic gold as his clear goal, scored 25 points. Gobert scored 13 points. Both teams are among the medal contenders at the Olympics behind top favorites USA
