MUNICH (Germany) - With the last window of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers now in the books, we take a look at how each nation performed against expectation.

Performances and mitigating circumstances have been taken into account for each participating team and here's the grades that have been determined by FIBA women's basketball expert Paul Nilsen.

Belarus  A-

Record: 3-1 (1st in Group F)
February Window: v Poland 56-68; v Great Britain 67-57; v Poland 49-80

A horror start and shock loss against Poland didn't hamper Belarus, who came back with a great win against Great Britain. They then gained revenge on Poland, topping the group to make it eight Final Round editions in a row. Experienced duo Anastasiya Verameyenka and Katsiaryna Snystina  continue to be great leaders and Belarus can head to this summer's main event with confidence.

Belgium  B+

Record: 6-0 (1st in Group G)
February Window: v Finland 82-47; v Portugal 69-66

You can't fault Belgium for an unbeaten campaign as they finished off by destroying Finland, but perhaps they took their foot off the gas as they were almost surprised by Portugal. Who cares though - right? The Cats will no doubt be back to their absolute best for the Final Round and full of medal potential, especially with Julie Allemand back to join the likes of Kim Mestdagh and Emma Meesseman.

Bosnia and Herzegovina  A+

Record: 5-1 (2nd in Group C)
February Window: v Switzerland 67-62; v Estonia 78-52

For the first time in more than 20 years, Bosnia and Herzegovina are heading to the Final Round. It was complicated as they didn't have centerpiece Marica Gajic or powerhouse center Jonquel Jones. But another naturalized option in Courtney Hurt showed out on her debut in a hard-fought win against Switzerland. Meanwhile Melisa Brcaninovic was also excellent as they also rounded off their campaign in style by hammering Estonia. 

Bulgaria  B-

Record: 2-4 (3rd in Group A) 
February Window: v Slovenia 66-71; v Greece 55-73

If they had not collapsed against Greece, the grade would have been higher and  a more accurate reflection of one of their best campaigns in some time. Although some way to go before challenging for a Final Round place, they made life uncomfortable for the likes of Slovenia and have players who can perform at this level like Jaklin Zlatanova, Borislava Hristova and Dimana Georgieva.

Croatia  A+

Record: 3-1 (1st in Group I)
February Window: v Germany 80-66

After missing out on the last couple of editions of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket, maximum credit goes to head coach Stipe Bralic and his team. They started the campaign brilliantly, had a wobble with a big loss to Latvia in the previous window, but did the business nicely against a depleted Germany. The return of ZVVZ USK Praha center Marija Rezan was a difference-maker, while Iva Slonjsak had probably her best game in a national team vest to help get her team safely back to Final Round, when they could be a dangerous opponent. 

Czech Republic  A

Record: 5-1 (1st in Group D)
February Window: v Romania 100-52  ; v Denmark 83-64

Even if Romania and Denmark didn't represent the most demanding of tests, you had to be impressed with how ruthless and impressive the Czechs were. Julia Reisingerova is in great form and always tough to guard in the paint because of her size and talent, Meanwhile Lenka Bartakova had those fabulous 16 assists against Romania to help her country make it 14 Final Rounds in a row!

Denmark  C+

Record: 1-5 (3rd in Group D)
February Window: v Italy 55-101; v Czech Republic 63-84

It was always going to be difficult for Denmark to repeat their heroics of that win last November against Romania. However, even they may feel a little disappointed at how Italy took the wind from their sails The first-half against Czech Republic was better, but the reality was that they just couldn't find any offensive rhythm. Still, they can reflect on the overall campaign with pride.

Estonia  C+

Record: 0-6 (4th in Group C)
February Window: v Russia 35-79; v Bosnia and Herzegovina 52-78

A winless campaign is difficult to stomach since they had hopes of sneaking a victory against Switzerland. Once that opportunity had slipped through their fingers last year, this past window always looked daunting and so it proved with two big losses to Russia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. There were few bright spots, outside of a really nice performance from Kadri Ann Lass against the Russians.

Finland  B-

Record: 1-5 (4th in Group G)
February Window: v Belgium 47-82; v Ukraine 75-91

Perhaps slightly generous in terms of the team grade after two comprehensive losses against Belgium and Ukraine, but there were certainly some flickers of hope for the future. Mostly lying firmly in the hands of the brilliant teenager Awak Kuier, who showed her class and potential in both games.

Germany  C

Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group I)
February Window: v Croatia 66-80; v Latvia 57-78

It's a decade since Germany racked up a rare appearance at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket. They looked to be in a great position to book a return, but the wheels came off in spectacular fashion. There was strong mitigation as they didn't have their two of their best players in Satou Sabally or Marie Guelich, but those who were on the roster could have done a lot better in two utterly forgettable performances.

Great Britain  B-

Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group F)
February Window: v Belarus 57-67

They blew a glorious chance to advance with a 'win and you're in' scenario versus a Belarius team reeling from a shock loss to Poland. Outside of Temi Fagbenle, the Brits were offensively blunt. They were never going to be victorious when Chantelle Handy, Kristine Anigwe and Karlie Samuelson shot a combined 4-of-30. It was one of those days when nothing would drop and it proved costly.

Greece  A+

Record: 4-2 (2nd in Group A)
February Window: v Iceland 95-58; v Bulgaria 73-55

This momentous window will not easily be forgotten as they returned to the Final Round in the most dramatic of circumstances. With an 18-point win needed against Bulgaria to advance, they got it - thanks mainly to that unforgettable 'and-one' from Maria Fasoula with only a handful of seconds remaining. But this was a team effort in every way. There were so many contributors and after being pipped very narrowly for their place at the 2019 edition, this was a warming case of redemption as the newer generation stepped up. 

Hungary  B+

 Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group H)
February Window: v Slovakia 65-57

It's difficult to assess and grade the efforts of Hungary who beat Slovakia in their only game. But they didn't win by enough to sufficiently increase their basket difference and progress.  Having to sit and wait 48 hours before being tortured by a roller-coaster Slovakia and Netherlands game must have been tough. On a knife edge, they were one basket away from topping the group. Instead, the 2019 Quarter-Finalists won't even be going to the 2021 edition.

Iceland  C

Record: 0-6 (4th in Group A)
February Window: v Greece 58-95; v Slovenia 59-96

It's been a very challenging campaign for the underdogs and this window was typical of their difficulties in trying to stay competitive. Both games saw their problems at each end of the court, conceding and scoring almost the exact same amount in both contests. 

Israel  C+

Record: 0-4 (3rd in Group B)
February Window: v Montenegro 52-78

Another window and another comprehensive loss. There were few if any positives for Israel to take away and it leaves them looking a worrying distance away from qualification in coming years unless something drastic changes.

Italy  A

Record: 5-1 (2nd in Group D)
February Window: v Denmark 101-55; v Romania 81-66

While runners-up in their group, Italy cruised their way to the Final Round as Lino Lardo maintained his unbeaten reign, having taken over prior to the second window. There was much to like from Martina Bestagno, Cecilia Zandalasini and Jasmine Keys. The question now is whether Italy have what it takes to progress at the main event - having been squeezed out of the Quarter-Finals in 2019.

Latvia  A

Record:  2-2 (2nd in Group I)
February Window: v Germany 78-57

The crushing disappointment of losing out on the Final Round due to the last gasp basket of Greece, which ultimately deprived them, must be a bitter pill to swallow. It ends a run of consecutively appearing at the event since 2005. The grade is generous because they could have done little else than rack up that massive win. But the pain of knowing one more basket would have done it, won't fade easily. 

Lithuania  D

Record: 0-4 (3rd in Group E)
February Window: v Turkey 55-67; v Serbia 61-96

It's impossible to look at the roster and figure out how they could have been so bad. Losing four games to Turkey and Serbia in any campaign would ordinarily be disappointing. To do so with a basket difference of -81 is unfathomable. They didn't do enough against a depleted Turkey and were trampled by Serbia. Even when bringing in young players, they should have done way better. 

Montenegro  A+

Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group B)
February Window: v Sweden 69-67;  v Israel 78-52

With almost everyone expecting a defeat to Sweden and having to sweat it out as one of the best runner-ups with a 2-2 record, Montenegro took matters into their own hands. A terrific and nail-biting win against the Swedes transformed their prospects. It was founded on a fairytale return for Jelena Dubljevic, but there were also other big contributions from elsewhere on the roster. 

Netherlands  B-

Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group H) 
February Window: v Slovakia 50-61

Very much a glass half full or glass half empty scenario depending on the viewpoint, the Dutch were left heartbroken that they allowed an incredible opportunity evaporate. Eventually finishing bottom of the group in a three-way tie when they could have punched their ticket with a win, they misfired badly against Slovakia. They can maybe take some positivity that they were only a win away from going to the Final Round for the first time in decades.

Poland  B+

Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group F)
February Window: v Belarus 68-56; v Belarus 49-80

Even a heavy defeat to Belarus in their final outing didn't take all the shine away from a stunning and shock 68-56 victory against their derby rivals. That was a real eye-opener and credit to Coach Maros Kovacik who is overseeing a significant transition at present and blooding some younger players. To be able to pick up an impressive win during this tricky process is a huge boost. 

Portugal  B+

Record: 1-5 (3rd in Group G) 
February Window: v Ukraine 58-87, v Belgium 66-69

After a very poor opening game of the window against Ukraine when Portugal perhaps posted their worst display of the Qualifiers, it was an excellent response against Belgium. Even taking into account that their opponents might have not been at their best, they almost pulled off a shock win and will give them some heart and confidence to take into their next campaign.

Romania  C

Record: 1-5 (4th in Group D)
February Window: v Czech Republic 52-100; v Italy 66-81

To respond to November's surprise defeat to Denmark with a 48-point defeat to Czech Republic underlined why the less said about this window and campaign the better. It can be summarised as entirely forgettable and at times, quite worrying.

Russia  A

Record: 5-1 (1st in Group C)
February Window: v Estonia 79-35; v Switzerland 103-47

It was never realistically going to be anything other than two wins for Russia in this past window. As it happened, they didn't just meet expectations to top their group, they completely pulverized both Estonia and Switzerland. Maria Vadeeva and Raisa Musina shone nicely during these games and will once again provide the main one-two punch at the Final Round for their country.

Serbia  A

Record: 4-0 (1st in Group E)
February Window: v Lithuania 96-61

Does it get any more straightforward or impressive? Already qualified and missing some key players, they still blew away their opponents by 35 points in ruthless fashion. Everything looks rosy in the garden for Serbia and they can look forward to launching a strong  podium challenge at the Final Round.

Slovakia  A+

Record: 2-2 (1stin Group H)
February Window: v Hungary 57-65; Netherlands 61-50

Perhaps lost amidst the headlines that surrounded the subsequent drama involving Greece punching their ticket, massive props must be handed to Slovakia. Juraj Suja and his players were under immense pressure after losing to Hungary, but their response was emphatic. They got the double-digit victory needed against Netherlands to top the group. It was not very pretty and required a big team effort to gut it out, but the scenes of jubilation on the final buzzer told the story as they shut Netherlands down to get it done.

Slovenia  A

Record: 6-0 (1st in Group A)
February  Window: v Bulgaria 71-66;  v Iceland 96-59

Without head coach Damir Grgic who had to self-isolate ahead of the window, assistant coach Alojzij Duscak took the reins and guided Slovenia to both Final Round and a perfect record. It was a little labored against Bulgaria and closer than anyone would have liked, but they got the job done and finished with a cakewalk against Iceland. Eva Lisec and Zala Friskovec both impressed. 

Sweden  B

Record: 3-1 (1st in Group B)
February Window: v Montenegro 67-69

It's tough to assess and grade Sweden because, in mitigation, they had some big names absent again, plus it was a very narrow defeat and they also still topped Group B. On the other hand, they did lose their only game in the window and had no answer to the magic of Jelena Dubljevic. Perhaps this will be a blessing for Marco Crespi and his staff, since they will have learned much from the defeat. 

Switzerland  B-

Record: 2-4 (3rd in Group C)
February Window: v Bosnia and Herzegovina 62-67; v Russia 47-103

It was a mixed bag for Switzerland who signed off with possibly their worst result and performance as they were overwhelmed by Russia. But, they were impressive in the first game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. So much so, they almost pulled off a surprise victory, even though they also had players absent with injuries.

Turkey  A+

 Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group E)
February Window: v Lithuania 67-55

They looked in big trouble heading into this last group game at 1-2 and facing a potentially awkward Lithuania team. So much so, they were ranked as low as 19th in the Power Rankings ahead of the window. Yet without the injured Isil Alben or Tilbe Senyurek, they still pulled off a terrific team success as they picked up a double-digit victory which helped them make it to Final Round yet again. Pelin Bilgic, Olcay Cakir and Gizem Yavuz stepped up when it mattered most.

Ukraine  A

Record: 4-2 (2nd in Group G) 
February Window: v Portugal 87-58; v Finland 91-75

Ukraine have good cause to be disappointed, as they did just about everything they possibly could to get to Final Round. Losing twice to Belgium previously was perhaps always anticipated and they hammered both Portugal and Finland in this past window. But, the basket difference wasn't enough and they didn't get the ticket they craved.  Krystyna Masko showed out against Portugal which was special for her individually. Meanwhile the biggest disappointment for neutrals is that there'll be no Alina Iagupova at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021. 

*The gradings are entirely subjective. All comments are purely those of the author.