The EuroBasket 2025 has once again proven to be a crucible of basketball prowess, where narratives of resilience, historic firsts, and the unexpected intertwine. As the dust settles on two electrifying quarter-final clashes, the stage is now meticulously set for the semi-finals. Finland, defying expectations with a captivating run, and Germany, demonstrating an unwavering spirit of comeback, have punched their tickets, promising an enthralling showdown.
Finland`s Unprecedented Ascent: A Glorious Ride Continues
Who would have thought that a team once considered an underdog would now stand on the brink of a European championship final? The Finnish “Susijengi” (Wolfpack) has embarked on what can only be described as a glorious ride, culminating in their first-ever semi-final appearance. After previously dispatching a formidable Serbian squad led by the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic — a feat in itself that silenced many critics — Finland continued its impressive momentum by decisively overcoming Georgia with a 93-79 victory.
While the towering presence of Lauri Markkanen is undoubtedly the North Star of this Finnish constellation, his teammates have shone equally bright. Against Georgia, it was Mikael Jantunen, the former Treviso standout, who became the unexpected protagonist, pouring in 19 points. The Finns demonstrated an almost surgical precision from beyond the arc, draining an astonishing 67% of their three-point attempts in the first half alone (10-of-15), effectively building a commanding 17-point lead by halftime. Georgia’s attempts to mount a physical comeback, led by Mamukelashvili, were ultimately hampered by the untimely ejections of Bitadze and Shengelia, a rather literal interpretation of “adding insult to injury” as their hopes faded. The Finns, however, were not merely beneficiaries of their opponents` misfortunes; their consistent performance, epitomized by Valtonen`s late-game heroics reminiscent of the Serbia match, ensured the game was well beyond reach.
Germany`s Electrifying Comeback: Defying the Slovenian Maestro
Meanwhile, in a clash that delivered high-octane drama, Germany engineered an electrifying comeback against Slovenia, securing a 99-91 victory. This win felt particularly poignant as it came at the expense of Luka Doncic, who, despite putting on a statistical masterclass with a staggering 39 points, saw his team`s championship aspirations evaporate.
The German squad, under pressure from Slovenia`s initial burst, meticulously clawed their way back into contention. Their strategy focused on exploiting Slovenia`s vulnerabilities in pick-and-roll defense, a technical approach that steadily bore fruit. The second half began with ominous signs for Slovenia as Doncic quickly accumulated four fouls, limiting his usually boundless impact. Yet, the Slovenian machine, somehow, continued to hum, largely thanks to Luka`s sheer will, even if his defensive contributions were necessarily curtailed.
The true turning point, however, arrived with the theatrical flourish of a basketball ballet. Maodo Lo`s audacious three-pointer from half-court at the buzzer of the third quarter ignited a spark that soon became an inferno. Immediately following that, Obst added his own acrobatic, one-legged trey, and suddenly, the momentum had swung decisively. Franz Wagner and Dennis Schroder, the undeniable poster boys of this German team, then took over, methodically closing out the game and cementing their place in the semi-finals. It was a victory not just of skill, but of sheer mental fortitude against one of the game`s brightest stars.
The Semifinal Stage: A Clash of Giants and Dark Horses
With these incredible displays, the EuroBasket 2025 semi-finals are now finalized. Finland, the captivating dark horse, will face off against Germany, the resilient hosts (or at least, a nation buoyed by strong home support). The other monumental clash will see the perennial powerhouse Greece battle it out with Turkey.
The upcoming Finland vs. Germany encounter pits Lauri Markkanen`s offensive brilliance and the Finns` cohesive team play against the tactical discipline and collective firepower of Dennis Schroder`s German squad. It’s a matchup that promises fast-paced action, strategic depth, and perhaps, another twist in this already unpredictable tournament.
What Lies Ahead?
The beauty of sports, and particularly a tournament as fiercely contested as the EuroBasket, lies in its capacity for surprise. We`ve witnessed teams rise, stars shine, and champions falter. Finland`s journey is a testament to perseverance, while Germany`s triumph underscores the power of collective effort over individual brilliance, even when that individual is Luka Doncic. As we look forward to Friday`s semi-finals, one thing is certain: the quest for European basketball supremacy is far from over, and the next chapters are poised to be unforgettable.
Adrian Whitmore