Germany Faces Croatia in Crucial WM Qualification Match Amidst Player Absences

Germany’s basketball team is preparing for a challenging rematch against Croatia in Bonn on Sunday, following an 88-93 loss in Zagreb. The defeat marked the first in the third qualification game for the World Cup, and the team faces a significant hurdle with numerous key players unavailable due to injury or scheduling conflicts.

Key Players Missing

The German national team will be without several stars, including NBA players Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner, as well as Bayern Munich star Andreas Obst. This leaves a depleted roster for the crucial match against Croatia.

Johannes Thiemann Steps Up

In Schröder’s absence, Johannes Thiemann has been named the team’s acting captain. Thiemann made a remarkable journey to join the national team, traveling approximately 9,000 kilometers from Japan, where he currently plays for the Gunma Crane Thunders in the B.League, via Paris and Munich, before arriving in Berlin and then Zagreb. He was one of only two EuroBasket 2025 champions in the squad for the game in Zagreb, alongside Leon Kratzer.

Thiemann delivered a strong performance against Croatia, scoring 17 points, second only to David Krämer’s 22 points. He expressed his commitment to representing his country, noting that the Japanese league is taking a nearly three-week break, allowing him to participate despite the travel challenges and potential jet lag.

Thiemann’s Career and Financials

Thiemann currently earns around $1 million per season playing for the Gunma Crane Thunders, a significant increase from his previous earnings in Germany. He previously developed from a Bundesliga player to a EuroLeague player with Alba Berlin.

Importance of the Rematch

The rematch against Croatia is crucial for Germany’s World Cup qualification prospects. Although the top three teams from the group will advance to the next phase, the results from the initial games carry over. A win in Bonn is therefore vital to maintain a strong position in the qualifying standings.

Reinforcements on the Way

Germany is expected to receive reinforcements with the addition of Bayern Munich players Oscar da Silva and Justus Hollatz to the roster, both of whom are EuroBasket champions.

Thiemann emphasized the need for improved control during the game and to avoid succumbing to pressure in close situations, expressing confidence that the team’s home fans will provide crucial support.