ANTWERP (Belgium) – Germany did not need long to establish their identity at the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup Crelan 2026. Two games into their campaign, two wins are on the board, and for Marie Reichert, the foundation of that perfect start has been clear from the opening possession: defense.
Germany opened Day 1 with a convincing victory over Belgium before overcoming Poland in a much tougher second game. The latter required patience and composure after Germany fell seven points behind early, but the team stayed together and fought their way back to secure another important win.
"We want our team identity to be built around our defense, and I think we showed that today," Reichert said. "The game against Poland was much tougher. We were down by seven points early on, but we stayed composed, fought our way back and secured an important win."
That resilience could prove particularly valuable as the tournament moves toward the knockout rounds. The Europe Cup 2026 offers little margin for error, and Germany have already shown they can win in contrasting ways, whether it's by controlling a game defensively or by responding when the momentum swings against them.
For Reichert, however, two wins are only the beginning.
"Our objective at every tournament is to compete for a medal," she said. "That's the standard we set for ourselves, and it's what we're aiming for here as well."
Germany's ambitions also extend beyond their own campaign. Reichert has watched the men's team make an equally impressive start in Antwerp, with the German men defeating France and Estonia on Day 1.
She sees that success as the product of a long-term process rather than a sudden breakthrough.
"The men's team has been incredibly dominant, and we're all very proud of them," Reichert said. "Their success is the result of many years of hard work."
She highlighted their improved shooting from beyond the arc alongside the physicality and athleticism that have become hallmarks of their game, while also pointing to the experience the young squad has accumulated.
"They're still one of the youngest teams on the circuit, but they've gained valuable experience. For them, the sky is the limit," she added.
For the women's team, the immediate focus is on continuing their own path.
Two wins have given Germany an ideal start. Their defensive identity has travelled with them to Antwerp, and their ability to stay composed under pressure has already been tested.
Now comes the harder part: turning that foundation into a medal run. Germany are set to face dangerous Slovenia in the Quarter-Finals.
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