NANCY (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - It has been a testing start for Belgium in the European Qualifiers with three consecutive defeats in Group E, but Eddy Casteels' side are not about to throw in the towel.

A first victory appeared on the horizon in Sarajevo on Friday evening before a passionate crowd inspired a 72-70 triumph for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Belgium dominated the third quarter and had a commanding lead at 59-66 only to come up short in the final 2 minutes.

"I think we prepared well and had a perfect week in Sarajevo," commented Casteels. "We played perfect for 38 minutes and after that, the fans took over - they were amazing.

"Also in the first two games, we had great moments, but not good enough. We learn and analyze to see where we went wrong and the mistakes we made, which is important for the next game [against France].

"Bosnia impressed me as a team. It's the same thing that I recognize in my team in the way we fought back and were able to stick together as a team."

"WE KNOW IT IS TOUGH, BUT WE NEVER GIVE UP. WE PROVED IT [IN SARAJEVO] - IT IS OUR IDENTITY" CasteelsCasteels

Retin Obasohan, who had 16 points in Belgium's losing cause on Friday, echoed the thoughts of his coach.

"We had the game in our hands for 38 minutes, but a game of basketball is 40 minutes. We need to address the issues and focus on our next game," he said.

The Belgian Lions will need to stay together as their task does not get any easier with today's encounter on the road against unbeaten group leaders, France.

In the first meeting between the two sides in November, Belgium were unable to capitalize on a 13-point lead at half-time as they eventually fell to a 59-70 defeat in Antwerp.

And while Casteels acknowledges the challenge that awaits, he is confident his team will not be going down without a fight.

"France is at the top level, a top team and we knew that we are in a tough group," said the play caller. "We recognise the situation that for teams like France and Russia, a lot of players are not there - it is all open.

"It's going to be tough; we will see what happens. We never give up, we proved it [in Sarajevo] - it is our identity.

"And then we will focus on our two home games. In such a short competition, everything is possible."

They may be down, but Belgium are certainly not out with a lot of life left in the First Round of Qualifiers.

FIBA