LIVE BLOG: The Estonian basketball team hunts for a scalp against Sweden in the World Cup qualifier
The Estonian national basketball team is set to face Sweden in a key World Cup qualifier match, following their recent performances against Slovenia and the Czech Republic.
The Estonian basketball team continues its campaign for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers with an away match against Sweden. This encounter is particularly crucial as Estonia has already achieved a win against Slovenia and suffered a loss to the Czech Republic earlier in the qualification window. Sweden, having recently lost to both of these teams, finds itself in a challenging position and is looking to turn its fortunes around at home.
Mikko Riipinen, the host team's coach, expressed a calm approach regarding the match, having been at the helm of the Swedish team for four and a half years. He remarks that the team has largely been viewed as the underdog in their fixtures, as reflected in global rankings. Riipinen's strategy emphasizes physical play and strong defense, crucial elements as they face a skilled Estonian team known for its offensive threat and consistency over time in their system.
Heiko Rannula, the Estonian head coach, recognizes the potential danger posed by the Swedish side but does not see his team as the clear favorites. The anticipation for the game is high, and both teams are strategizing to secure a crucial victory in this important qualifier. The direct broadcast of the match starts at 20:00, allowing fans to follow the action closely as Estonia seeks to capitalize on its current momentum and the home-country challenges faced by Sweden.