BRA – Brazilians hit European leg of preparations for FIBA U19 Women’s event in Thailand

LISBON (FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Brazil have arrived in Portugal to take part in the Lusofonia Games ahead of the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women in Bangkok.

The South Americans, who have won six of their seven friendlies in Jundiai, have joined Cape Verde, Mozambique, Angola and Portugal in the international tournament in Europe.

Brazil U19 women's coach Luiz Claudio Tarallo said: "The tournament in Lusofonia will give us more experience against international teams. The friendly games we had in Brazil helped us as the players got confidence and rhythm against adult teams and won all but one game.

“We only lost one game against a men's team that was stronger physically. In any case, we took advantage to polish some mistakes and we always make the most of games as it is the best way to improve our technique. The level of the players is very good and we will arrive to the World Championship ready to go."

Once in southeast Asia, Brazil will be in Group B with the Czech Republic, Lithuania and hosts Thailand.

"The work done with this generation began in 2007," Tarallo said.

"This year, we worked towards guaranteeing a place in the World Championship. We have the highest expectation possible and we want to put into practice what we have done in training.

“I believe at the tournament in Lusofonia we will be even better as we will have gained more experience. As soon as we get to Bangkok we will play a friendly against Russia, one of the top teams in the world."

Brazil squad: Taina Mayara da Paixão, Débora da Costa, Amanda Karine Lazaro, Patricia Ribeiro, Joseane Maria Bazilio, Tatiane Nascimento, Leila Zabani, Leidilânia Ferreira

FIBA