Neemias Queta reminded us of warriors of old as Portugal gave Dennis Schroder, Franz Wagner, and the rest of Germany’s loaded roster all they could handle at EuroBasket 2025. In a true fight, the Germans didn’t so much win as survive, writes Emmet Ryan.
This was an absolute slobberknocker. Portugal decided that they were going to physically go after Germany like nobody else had so far at EuroBasket 2025. Neemias Queta brought his heart and his quality to the floor, making life a nightmare for Franz Wagner, Dennis Schroder, and Germany’s star-studded line-up.
Daddy’s got to go to work
Portugal brought the meat to the party. Neemias Queta was in warrior mode as the underdogs went with a bruising approach at both ends. For a Germany team used to creating space with ease at EuroBasket 2025 up to now, it was a shock to the system.
Dennis Schroder was leading by example. He just wasn’t getting the results. Two plays in the first quarter defined his frustration. First there was a situation where Dennis hit traffic late, adjusted and whipped a perfect pass to Franz Wagner on the right elbow. Wagner had the right look but his execution was off.
A few minutes later, Schroder knew what he wanted. He drove to the rim, bringing in two defenders. With barely a glance he fed a wide open Daniel Theis at the top of the key. Again the pass and look were perfect. Once more, the finish let Germany down. The opening quarter in Riga was only the 2nd out of 21 quarters at this tournament where Germany scored less than 20 points.
Deal with it and get back to work
Even Dennis Schroder’s cool head could only hold off the stress so much. He took his bumps well but then Travante Williams blew by him on the baseline like it was a rec league game. A turnover on the next possession wasn’t ideal in the moment but it gave Dennis what he needed to regain his focus.
A fast break drive assisted by Franz Wagner followed quickly. Then Franz decided it was time to do his bit on a fast break. A steal and slam from the Orlando Magic man put Germany back in front in what was a gritty affair.
Still, the half-court offensive play for Germany was struggling. For all the creative play of Dennis, the final execution was off. Even the ever reliable Andreas Obst was having issues in this regard. Some hero ball step back jumpers from Schroder were all they could rely on. That was hardly a sustainable situation.
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Whatever it takes
Germany came out with a change in plan after the break. Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner were made into absolute pests. Their roles were to disrupt and distract. On D, the duo got low and physical.
Offensively they made Isaac Bonga the focal point. The athletic big man for Partizan hit his scoring high for the tournament within a couple of minutes for the restart. Yet Germany were unable to put Portugal away to any reasonable degree.
That was because Neemias Queta was still in god mode. At both ends he battered, banged, and brought the boom. The Boston Celtics man is the unquestioned star of Portuguese hoops and he was delivering like a frontline leader in this one.
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The Berserker at Stamford Bridge
On 25 September 1066, the Battle of Stamford Bridge took place. It was between the English and a force from the Kingdom of Norway. The English took the battle, effectively ending the age of Viking conquest. There was one story in defeat however that lived long in the memory.
So the tale goes, a lone berserker stood upon Stamford Bridge to cover the retreat of the Norwegian forces. He kept the narrow gap impassable for an hour, taking down dozens of English attackers in the process.
Such is how Neemias Queta appeared in this game. Despite the superior overall power of the Germans on paper, this one man was ready to give his all at EuroBasket 2025. The thing is, things didn’t end well for the berserker. A spear from below the bridge eventually felled him. As Dennis Schroder heated up, it looked like he and Franz Wagner had overcome their biggest challenge.
Dennis Schroder had to dig deep for Germany in a bruising battle with Portugal.
Remember that date
The berserker fell but those that took him down didn’t have much time to celebrate. Less than 3 weeks later, there was the Battle of Hastings. That didn’t go so well for the English. Germany only have three days to get ready for this quarter final and they look shaken.
While the roster is deep, the sheer talent of Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner alone won’t carry Germany through the rest of EuroBasket 2025. Neemias Queta is one man and he rocked them to the core.
It took every ounce of will to get Germany over the line in this one. The lacklustre nature of their half-court offensive play throughout the full 40 minutes should sound alarm bells. Alex Mumbru may be back on the bench but he’s got work to do.
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