2019 World Cup Qualifying Round: Europe Roundup
The latest round of 2019 World Cup Qualifying Round games took place in Europe on Sunday, with eight explosive international basketball clashes around the continent. There are two rounds of action remaining as groups E through H took to the floor on Sunday. On Monday, the remaining four groups (A-D) will complete the action this weekend.
Group EU-E
France continued its blistering form in the 2019 World Cup Qualifying Round in a low scoring 64-49 win over Belgium. The victory keeps France atop Group EU-E and with a 100% record at 4-0, while Belgium is rooted to the bottom with a winless 0-4 showing. Elsewhere, Russia kept pace in the chasing pack with a 70-53 win over Bosnia to allow both teams to lock on 2-2 records, still in with a shout of qualifying.
Group EU-F
In the closest game of the night, Iceland edged the Czech Republic with a 76-75 home win. In a close contest, the Icelandic hosts clinched the game right at the death. The victory was enough for the nation to join the Finland on a 2-2 record. As for the Czech Republic, the team remains top despite this loss, with a 3-1 record. In the other game, Finland took out Bulgaria 75-70 to reach second place. Bulgaria are not out of the running but are bottom with a 1-3 record.
Group EU-G
Germany showed its strength with a good 77-87 road win over Georgia. Despite making the long trip, the German team maintained its 100% run during the 2019 World Cup Qualifying Round to stay top of Group EU-G with a 4-0 record. Georgia has work to do from 1-3 in third place. Serbia (1-3) helped itself to second place for the time being, but needed a buzzer beating bucket to down Austria 82-83 away from home. Austria is floundering at the bottom of the standings without a win at 0-4.
Group EU-H
Greece also stayed undefeated through round 4 with a 75-70 win over a United Kingdom team that is playing above its expectations but still not winning. Greece moves to 4-0 with two rounds to play, while the U.K. is bottom without a win (0-4). Finally, Estonia broke Israel 78-62 in the biggest winning margin on Sunday to join its opponent at 2-2 in Group EU-H.