German coach after the defeat against Croatia: We knew it would be a tough match
German coach Alex Mumbru commented on his team's loss to Croatia in a qualifying match for the 2027 World Cup, acknowledging it was a challenging game.
In the aftermath of Germany's narrow loss to Croatia in the World Cup qualifying match, coach Alex Mumbru expressed his awareness that the game would be difficult. Croatia managed to edge out Germany with a final score of 93-88, and Mumbru congratulated the Croatian team on their victory. He emphasized the excellent atmosphere in the arena and hoped for similar support at their upcoming match in Bonn on Sunday.
Mumbru reflected on the game, noting that Germany initially had a good rhythm in both offense and defense, successfully executing their game plan during the first half. However, a series of consecutive three-pointers by Croatia in the third quarter disrupted Germany's momentum. He pointed out that missed layups and open shots hindered their chances of clinching the victory towards the end of the game.
When asked if any Croatian players surprised him, Mumbru stated that nothing took him by surprise, as he was familiar with the talents on the Croatian roster. He reiterated that they had anticipated a challenging match, acknowledging the skill levels of the players involved. This match serves as a vital experience for Germany as they prepare for future games in the qualification series.