MANILA (Philippines) - Germany star leader Dennis Schroder struggled for the first time at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Luckily for the team, Franz Wagner picked the perfect game for his return.

Schroder scored just 9 points on 4-of-26 shots and committed 4 of the team’s 8 turnovers. Germany overcame those struggles with an 81-79 thrilling win over Latvia to reach the Semi-Finals for the first time since 2002.

Franz Wagner played a massive part in the victory, scoring 17 points to go with 8 rebound and 3 assists. It was his first game since the opening game of the tournament for Germany, in which he collected 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists against Japan but injured his ankle.

 
"My first game was a little bad at the end. But I was really happy about being out there with the guys and really enjoyed it," he said.

Franz came off the bench after 4 minutes and Germany down early. He ended up playing 24 minutes, sharing time with the first and second units.

"I think that Franz Wagner really picked us up in the second group. They came in at the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the fourth," Germany head coach Gordie Herbert said.

Franz (right) and Moe Wagner

Franz's older brother Moe Wagner said it was great having him back on the court again.

"It's fun, honestly I'm happy as a teammate because he makes stuff a lot easier, and he wins you games," said Moe, who contributed 12 points and 4 rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench - even playing a number of pick-and-roll sets with Franz.

"As a brother, I'm happy that he's smiling, that he's relieved. On a human side, that stuff sucks, man. It's emotionally draining to be hurt, not knowing when you'll be back. To see him play like this, do what he loves, what he does best, it's amazing."

Dennis Schroder

Schroder also was happy that Franz had made his return, adding: "Having Franz Wagner back was really important. That is a big reason why we won the game."

With Schroder having his bad game behind him and Franz Wagner back on the court, now Germany can focus on making more history with a chance to reach the World Cup Final for the first time if they can beat United States.

FIBA