Getting to the Summer Games in Paris can be called a complicated obstacle course for several reasons. On the one hand, the last time the Hungarian national team participated in the Olympics was in 1980, that is, 44 years ago, and the last time it competed for the opportunity to compete was 40 years ago, in May 1984, in the qualifiers that it successfully fought in far away Havana. . It is true that due to the boycott of the Eastern Bloc, our national team was not able to show its skills in Los Angeles, and since then we have not come close to participating in the Olympics. This is also the source of another aggravating circumstance, which is that the rivals of Norbert Szekely's team are, without exception, ranked higher than us in international women's basketball, and Kiss Virage's team can be there in Paris by overtaking opponents who are believed to be stronger in the world. paper. Well, all the rhetoric aside, the first problem looming in front of our girls is fifth place in the world rankings Canada national team!
The Canadian women's basketball team has a long and successful history, and is a regular participant in international competitions, including the Pan American Games and World Championships, where they have also won medals. The year 2023 turned out to be particularly eventful for the North Americans, as they first gave a successful performance at the US Championships winning the bronze medal, and then smoothly overcame the obstacles of the Olympic qualifications, thus winning the right to perform at the Sopron. In recent years, the Canadian national team has consistently represented a high level on the international stage, which is also reflected in its high ranking in the FIBA rankings.
The changes to the team's bench mark a new era: the uniquely successful role played by Lisa Thomaides, who now guards the Germans, for eight years ended after the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, when the field marshal was taken over by Victor Lapeña, who not only limited himself to club level, but can also achieve Serious success with the national teams. During his coaching career, the Spanish professional won numerous awards, including the European Cup, and various national championship trophies. In addition to the European titles won by alternative national teams. The Maple Leafs' fourth-place finish in the 2022 World Series clearly shows that Lapeña has been able to make a quick, and more importantly, positive impact on the team.
Canada's 12-man lineup is not yet known, but it is certain that it will consist of very talented players, many of whom have already proven themselves at the international level. Bridget Carlton is perhaps one of the most well-known names in this country, as she currently works for SERCO UNI Győr and, by the way, has been one of her country's leaders with her outstanding performances at the World Championships and World Championships. Olympic qualifiers. Kayla Alexander, Natalie Achonwa and Laeticia Amihere contribute to the team's play near the backboard, while at the back line Kia Nurse, Shay Colley and former Győr player Nirra Fields provide the scoring. Young talent like Cassandre Prosper and perhaps Aaliyah Edwards or Yvonne Ejim, depending on whether they were released from their college teams or not, add additional depth and diversity to the roster. This is what gives Lapeña's team its special flavour: there are several generations represented, from experienced veterans to fresh college talent, which could become a particularly exciting mix on the field.
During their duel against each other, it will be very important how the Hungarian team will be able to handle the Canadian's above-average interior play and scoring potential in the back row.
From 19:00 on 8 February, all eyes will be on Sopron, where the match between Hungary and Canada will hopefully be played in front of packed stands, where Olympic dreams will be at stake!
Note: Our article is based on the official website of the National Association of Hungarian Basketball Players, A An article about the Canadian national team was published on hunbasket.hu Servants.
(Image: fiba.basketball)
