Germany's Franz Wagner expects tougher job in finals after USA conquest

World no. 11 Germany on Friday made history by beating a star-studded and heavyweight Team USA in the semifinals to advance to the 2023 FIBA World Cup finals against Serbia.

It will be Germany's first appearance at the finals and also its first-ever win against the Americans in the global cagefest as the USA always got the best of Germany their three meetings in the past.

While Germany put an end to USA's title redemption bid, Franz Wagner said they are expecting a tougher job when they take on Serbia in the gold medal match on Sunday.

"It's hard to say right now, we just had a huge win. We're just gonna enjoy tonight. [But] I'm sure it will really be a tough game," Wagner said shortly after their 113-111 win at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Franz Wagner describes the upset win vs USA as a “special moment” for Germany.

Wagner drops 22 in just his second game since being back from an injury @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/jcaHAtcQXr

— Bea Micaller (@beamicallerrr) September 8, 2023

Wagner was again among the leading scorers for Germany, finishing with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one steal while Andreas Obst shone with 24 markers, six dimes, and one swat.

The 22-year-old Wagner admitted that their transition defense was not at its best, giving up 111 points to the Americans with Anthony Edwards topping with 23 points, Austin Reaves chipping in 21 markers, and Mikal Bridges finishing with 17.

However, offense worked better for Germany as they shot 57.7 percent from the field against the, shooting 41 of their 71 attempts.

"We didn't play great transition defense but I think we did a solid job executing on offense. I thought we played better offensively," Wagner added.

Still, the Orlando Magic's rising star said they have a long way to go, especially against the Serbians, who are bannered by Bogdan Bogdanovic, Nikola Jovic, and Nikola Milutinov.

Serbia, for its part, has just sent Canada packing after a 95-86 victory earlier.

"We got to play for gold. I think it's a super special moment for all of us and hopefully in German basketball in general. We have more work to do."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News