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07 November, 2021
13 February, 2023
What grade did each nation achieve for the final Qualifying window?
13/02/2023
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Report Card: What grade did each nation get for the February window?

MUNICH (Germany) - With the last window of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers now complete, it's time to take a look at how each nation performed against expectation in their February fixtures.

The respective displays and results of each country in their last games of the campaign have been reviewed, with any mitigating circumstances taken into account and that has led to the following grades.

Albania ALB D

Current Record: 0-6 (4th in Group D)
Third Window: v Slovenia (L) 124-52; v Turkey (L) 48-98

It was another campaign when underdogs Albania looked way out of their depth. Of course they can only improve by playing regularly in the Qualifiers, but it is questionable how much of a step forward they managed to take with another two huge losses.

Austria AUT B

Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group F)
Third Window: v Montenegro (L) 65-48

Having made a major breakthrough with their win against Denmark in the second window, Austria were unable to follow that momentum up and cause a big shock in Montenegro, but they played well, led by Anja Fuchs-Robetin. They showed they deserve to be at this level.

Belgium were on fire in this window and celebrated two huge wins

Belgium BEL A

Current Record: 5-1 (1st in Group A)
Third Window: v Germany (W) 69-44; v North Macedonia (W) 43-102

Considering the absence of Julie Allemand and the pressure of needing to beat Germany to secure first place in the group, this was a really impressive window for Rachid Meziane and his players. They started brilliantly and never took their foot off the accelerator. Emma Meesseman led as usual, while Kyara Linskens impressed and some younger Cats also broadened their experiences. A success!

Bosnia and Herzegovina BIH D

Record: 2-4 (3rd in Group A)
Third Window: v North Macedonia (L) 66-68; v Germany (L) 61-92

The rise of Bosnia and Herzegovina was spectacular, but not as spectacular as their brutal crash back down to earth. The 5th place team at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 and a FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup competitor just six months ago losing at home to North Macedonia epitomizes it. Confidence has completely drained away, it's something that probably needs rebooted completely.

Bulgaria BUL C-

Record: 0-4 (3rd in Group E)
Third Window: v Serbia (L) 76-102

Bulgaria had little chance of making a positive impression against the current trophy holders. It showed and they were clearly second best against Serbia who were not even at full capacity personnel-wise. It condemned Bulgaria to a winless campaign and only Borislava Hristova and Gergana Ivanova performed near the required level.

Croatia CRO C-

Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group E)
Third Window: v Bulgaria (L) 85-57

Heading into this window, Croatia were still dreaming of punching their ticket by making life difficult in the derby against neighbors Serbia. Instead, they were taken apart brutally by the reigning champions and it was not just the loss, but the matter of the 27-point defeat that was most alarming. In mitigation they missed leading scorer and leader Ivana Dojkic, but this was just not good enough.

Czech Republic beat nearest rivals Netherlands to top the group and advance to Final Round

Czech Republic CZE A

Record: 4-0 (1st in Group I)
Third Window: v Ireland (W) 74-57; v Netherlands (W) 69-49

Having avoided any upset against Ireland that could have derailed them, it was a fantastic victory against main rivals Netherlands which secured them top spot in the group. They also did it without centerpiece and anchor Julia Reisingerova which was impressive. Led by captain Renata Brezinova, they made it and did the job that they needed to do in style. Nobody can argue with that.

Denmark DEN A

Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group F)
Third Window: v Montenegro (W) 81-84

They didn't manage to take a shock ticket to Final Round, but beating the already qualified Montenegro on the road in an overtime thriller tells you everything you need to know about the gigantic strides Denmark basketball has been taking. Anna Seilund balled out and Maria Jespersen led as usual. They also signed off without having posted a losing record and 2-2 was fantastic.

Estonia EST B+

Record: 1-5 (4th in Group G)
Third Window: v Great Britain (L) 100-45; v Greece 65-67 (L)

Estonia were overwhelmed in a big way against Great Britian in the first game of the window as their opponents extracted revenge for their surprise defeat in the first window. Impressively, Estonia didn't just crumble or fade, they came within a whisker of yet another head-turning upset as they only just lost to group winners, Greece. Annika Koster and Maaja Bratka in particular did a great job.

Finland FIN C+

Record: 0-6 (4th in Group B)
Third Window: v Ukraine (L) 74-59; v France (L) 46-82

They were dealt a rough hand with this challenging group and there was also significant mitigation at being without prize asset, Awak Kuier for this window. Still, they might look at other nations like Estonia and Denmark arguably punching above their weight and wonder if there is a time soon when they need to do that and at least push for an upset. There were few bright spots.

France FRA A

Record: 5-1 (1st in Group B)
Third Window: v Lithuania (W) 75-83; v Finland (W) 46-82

They won in Lithuania to show they remember how to perform under pressure. The difference between Jean Aime Toupane's first game and this window was stark. They must rebound better, but they are so stacked with talent and options - both with those present and those absent. They will be challengers for the trophy again - especially with Gabby Williams and Marine Johannes on top form.

Led by Leonie Fiebich, Germany head to the Final Round for the first time since the 2011 edition in Poland

Germany GER A-
Record: 4-2 (2nd in Group A)
Third Window: v Belgium (L) 69-44; v Bosnia and Herzegovina (W) 61-92

This was a window of two halves. A poor effort against Belgium was followed up by that fabulous win against Bosnia and Herzegovina which sent them to their first Final Round in 12 years. Credit to the coaching staff and players. They did it without Satou Sabally as well. They have such a star in Leonie Fiebich and with Marie Guelich alongside, they have a shot at making a splash this summer.

Great Britain GBR A+

Record: 3-3 (2nd in Group G)
Third Window: v Estonia (W) 100-45; v Portugal (W) 78-48

Breathtaking stuff from the Brits. They needed two big wins to have a chance and they delivered big-time. The victory against Portugal was sensational and from that 0-2 start to the campaign they booked a ticket to make up for missing out in 2021. Temi Fagbenle was a colossus, while the backcourt is rejuvenated by rising star Holly Winterburn of London Lions who had 11 assists against Portugal.

Greece GRE B-

Record: 5-1 (1st in Group G)
Third Window: v Portugal (L) 66-60; v Estonia (W) 65-67

Don't hit the panic button, but sit up and take notice. This was not a good window for Greece. Yes, they got their ticket, but they lost to Portugal who got whacked by 30 points by Great Britain and almost fell to underdogs Estonia. Outside of their anchor Mariella Fasoula, there was not a lot of production. They are the type of 'worker bee' team that simply have to be focused every single time.

Hungary made sure they advanced by beating Iceland and Romania

Hungary HUN A-

Record: 4-2 (2nd in Group C)
Third Window: v Iceland (W) 89-49; v Romania (W) 74-58

Job done. And, a good job by Norbert Szekely and his ballers. Yes, this was a generous draw in general, but they made the most of it with two big wins to advance. Cyesha Goree is a tower of strength, Virag Kiss is getting better all the time and there is a glut of young players rising up. Reasons to be very hopeful if you are a Hungary fan!

Iceland ISL C

Record: 1-5 (3rd in Group C)
Third Window: v Hungary (L) 89-49; v Spain (L) 34-88

This was a difficult window for the Islanders who were hammered twice. The talented Sara Run Hinriksdottir was shut down and there were not a lot of options. Still, they avoided bottom spot in the group and in this context can have some satisfaction with the campaign.

Ireland IRL C+

Record: 0-4 (3rd in Group I)
Third Window: v Czech Republic (L) 74-57

On the back foot after leaking 26 points Czech points in the first quarter, they stabilized, but the damage had been done. Star baller Claire Melia was unable to deliver her usual heroics and despite being 0-4. they were competitive and there's no reason to be down.

Israel ISR A+

Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group J)
Third Window: v Sweden (W) 71-57

What a fabulous last window for the co-hosts. They went up against a Sweden team that boasted the return of the Eldebrink sisters, plus EuroLeague Women star Amanda Zahui and yet they were still able to produce a convincing victory. Alyssa Baron was exceptional and with it being on home soil, this performance and result will have wetted the appetite for the main event this summer.

Italy ITA A

Record: 6-0 (1st in Group H)
Third Window: v Luxembourg (W) 51-109; v Switzerland (W) 63-79

Two comfortable wins, healthy competition for places, a bunch of hungry young players coming through, an unbeaten campaign and another Final Round to look forward to. What is there not to love? Bellissimo!

Latvia posted an unbeaten campaign after Anete Steinberga broke her country's game-high scoring record

Latvia LAT A

Record: 4-0 (1st in Group J)
Third Window: v Sweden (W) 65-71

Despite having already qualified, there was no let up for Gundars Vetra and his team as they got this impressive win. Anete Steinberga wrote herself into the record books with that highest ever individual score and they finished 4-0. Happy days for Latvian fans!

Lithuania LTU B-

Record: 3-3 (3rd in Group B)
Third Window: v France (L) 75-83; v Ukraine (L) 71-65

Final Round qualifying hopes were high and as there were two narrow losses anything less than a B- might be harsh? Or maybe this is too generous? Certainly a 3-3 overall record feels like an opportunity missed. Veteran center Ginatre Petronyte played well but outside of this, there was not much to cheer. Laura Juskaite sadly breaking her collarbone added more salt into the wounds.

Luxembourg LUX C

Record: 1-5 (3rd in Group H)
Third Window: v Italy (L) 51-109; v Slovakia (L) 114-59

This was a big challenge and with the outstanding youngster Faith Ehi Etute closely guarded, their main offensive tap was turned off by Italy and Slovakia in these big losses. At least they still avoided bottom spot, so that will rightly be viewed as some progress.

Montenegro MNE B-

Record: 3-1 (1stin Group F)
Third Window: v Austria (W) 65-48; v Denmark (L) 81-84

They beat Austria to qualify for an amazing seventh Final Round in a row, but the overtime loss to Denmark exposed a possible lack of depth. Overall a mixed bag performance-wise, but Dragana Zivkovic was a major plus point and they are back at the big table again, so now is not the time for picking too many faults or concerns.

Netherlands NED C

Record: 2-2 (2ndin Group I)
Third Window: v Czech Republic (L) 69-49

Netherlands went into this one knowing a win could send them to Final Round but it never looked likely. They were well beaten and too many key absences took its toll. Fully fit and stocked, they can ball, but they have to have their best performers on the court.

North Macedonia beat an opponent who featured at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 6 months ago

North Macedonia MKD A

Record: 1-5 (4th in Group A)
Third Window: v Bosnia and Herzegovina (W) 66-68; v Belgium (L) 43-102

Nobody saw North Macedonia proudly getting an A grade in this window! Forget signing off with a massive loss to Belgium, this was all about that thrilling and memorable win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The real headline? No naturalized performer.

Poland POL A+

Record: 4-2 (2nd in Group D)
Third Window: v Turkey (W) 76-72; v Slovenia (W) 58-65

Absolute heartbreak at just missing out. Nobody could have truly forseen Poland being so brilliant in this window and not only beating Turkey and Slovenia but finishing second in this group. It was not enough in the end, but what a fabulous job Maros Kovacik has done in this lengthy transition project. Props to Weronika Telenga and Agnieszka Skobel for their contributions in this window too.

Portugal POR B-

Record: 3-3 (3rd in Group G)
Third Window: v Greece (W) 66-60; v Great Britain (L) 78-48

A fabulous and exciting win against Greece was followed by a disastrous last day display in Manchester. We saw both faces of Portugal in this window and that lack of consistency kills them. Credit to Maria Bettencourt Correia for her exceptional work against Greece.

Romania ROU C+

Record: 1-5 (4th in Group C)
Third Window: v Spain (L) 32-75; v Hungary (L) 74-58

Way off the pace like they have been for much of this campaign, the last window exposed a gulf in quality and this gap must somehow need to be made up. They did at least compete against Hungary, but even picking out one player who shone in the window was tough.

Serbia showed their qualities and now get set to defend their coveted title at Final Round

Serbia SRB A+

Record: 4-0 (1st in Group E)
Third Window: v Croatia (W) 85-57; v Bulgaria (W) 76-102

A class window for the reigning champions who will not give up their crown without a fight. Marina Maljkovic continues to blood new ballers and that mix of youth and experience continues to be a fruitful combination. They were outstanding in the derby against Croatia and swept aside Bulgaria with ease. Excellent work.

Slovakia SVK A-

Record: 4-2 (2nd in Group H)
Third Window: v Switzerland (W) 78-57; v Luxembourg (W) 114-59

While it was 'only' Switzerland and Luxembourg in front of them, Slovakia still had to make sure and they did so with two super displays. Both times they were led by Miroslava Mistinova who was brilliant. Considering they were missing a couple of big name players, this was a very impressive window.

Slovenia SLO B-

Record: 3-3 (3rd in Group D)
Third Window: v Albania (W) 124-52; v Poland (L) 58-65

It's a theme that Slovenia just don't seem to have that same edge or verve as in previous years when they were rising up. Another loss, this time to Poland, is a concern for the co-hosts. A 3-3 record and more pertinently being 1-3 against Poland and Turkey in this group is not all that impressive. But, we did see some young players shine against Albania and those young guns could shine this summer.

Spain ESP A

Record: 6-0 (1st in Group C)
Third Window: v Romania (W) 32-75; v Iceland(W) 34-88

An unbeaten campaign after two wins in this final window and with the talent pool looking deep again, this was a really positive few days for Spain. They blooded new debutantes such as Maria Erauncetamurguil, Mariona Ortiz and Marta Canella. Meanwhile Paula Ginzo strengthened her case for inclusion at Final Round. Plenty of positives.

Sweden assembled a record crowd for their game against Latvia but were edged out and finished 0-4

Sweden SWE C-

Record: 0-4 (3rd in Group J)
Third Window: v Israel (L) 71-57; v Latvia (L) 65-71

Quarter-Finalists in 2021, Sweden not only missed out on qualification, they didn't even win a game. The record crowd of almost 9,500 against Latvia was impressive, but bitter-sweet, since because of the loss to Israel, those faint qualification hopes had already evaporated. They brought back experience with the Eldebrink twins, but even with them and Amanda Zahui, they couldn't get a W!

Switzerland SUI C+

Record: 1-5 (4th in Group H)
Third Window: v Slovakia (L) 78-50; v Italy (L) 63-79


There was not a lot to celebrate for Switzerland, but it did feel like they stopped the bleeding of the second window when they lost heavily to Luxembourg. While defeat against Slovakia was poor, they did put on a much better performance against Italy, only fading badly in the very last quarter. Sadly the Swiss ended bottom of the group though.

Turkey TUR B-

Record: 5-1 (1st in Group D)
Third Window: v Poland (L) 76-72; v Albania (W) 48-98

While there will be no huge alarm at the loss to Poland, who also showed their teeth by beating Slovenia, this was a warning shot. A possible over reliance on Teaira McCowan must be guarded against and the backcourt needs to flex its muscle and provide more consistent production. At least Tilbe Senyurek played well again.

Ukraine UKR B+

Record: 4-2 (2nd in Group B)
Third Window: v Finland (W) 74-59; v Lithuania (W) 71-65

It has been such an up and down campaign for Ukraine. Their second window ultimately cost them and while this was much improved with two nice wins, they will be kicking themselves at missing out. Alina Iagupova and Olga Maznichenko were the main performers in these two games and overall Ukraine took the creditable runners-up spot in Group B.

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

Paul Nilsen

Paul Nilsen

The FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Qualifiers Team Grades are put together by our panel, led by FIBA's women's basketball specialist Paul Nilsen. He eats, sleeps and breathes female hoops and is incredibly passionate about the promotion of the women's game at all levels. Paul uses an extensive network of players, coaches, clubs and Federations to shape his work and opinions.