With a win over the Czech Republic, Finland almost secures second place in the first group. A loss would even push Susijeng to the brink of relegation.
11:26•Updated 11:26
Finland meets the Czech Republic on Tuesday at 18:30. Live broadcast on TV2 and Areena at 18:10.
The Finnish men’s national basketball team will meet the host Czech Republic today in a high-stakes match at the European Championships.
With the win, Susijengi even grabs second place in the first group, which would give them a good position for the playoffs.
With a loss, Finland threatens to fall to fifth place in the group and out of the playoffs.
Susijeng now has a win against Poland and losses against Israel and Serbia. Especially the overtime loss to Israel was stinging and could cause further problems.
If Finland wins both the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, second place in the group is very likely. Serbia is going, but the worst rivals Israel and Poland will be left behind if they lose even a game. Both still face Serbia.
Finland, Israel and Poland can end up with equal points, but in this situation Susijengi would rank better. Finland’s ratio of scored and conceded points in mutual matches is better (+28) than Israel (-7) and Poland (-21). A 30-point crushing victory over Poland could therefore become a big value.
If Finland does not beat the Czech Republic today, it will be difficult. Without the group jumbo victory of the Netherlands over Poland, Finland would definitely be out of the playoffs. In that case, Finland could reach a maximum of equal points with Israel or the Czech Republic and would lose to both based on a mutual match.
Remaining laps
Finland–Czech Republic TV2 and Areena at 18:10
Finland–Holland TV2 and Areena at 15:10.