Women’s National Team: Strong performance and victory over Denmark
The Women’s National Team managed to beat Denmark 99-77 in Ivanofeio, scoring 2/2 in Thessaloniki and advancing to the 2nd Qualifying Phase of EuroBasket 2027. The captain of the team, Artemis Spanou, stood out with a double double of 26 points and 17 rebounds, while Mariella Fasoula added another 26 points.
The next qualifying window will be held in November 2026.
Details about the match
Greece entered strongly from the first minutes, reaching +19 (14-4, 3’40”) thanks to two three-pointers by Tsineke. The team kept the pace steady, with Spanou increasing the difference to +11 (29-18, 8’15”). The first quarter ended 34-20 with points from Christinaki.
Fasoula and Spanou scored more points in the first quarter than Denmark’s entire crop. Chineke kept the difference over 20 points (49-28, 17′) and the first half ended 53-36.
In the third period, Denmark tried to close the gap, with Foreman making it 73-59. Goodmand’s three-pointer brought the two teams closer (77-64, 31’30”), but Parks and Chinecke again increased the gap to over 20 points, reaching 86-66 (34′). The final score was 99-77.
Match statistics
Referees: Teixeira (Portugal), Pipan (Slovenia), Cetkovic (Montenegro)
Quarters: 34-20, 53-36, 73-59, 99-77
Greece (Prekas): Krimili, Stamolamprou, Bosgana, Pavlopoulou, Tsineke 18 (3tr.), Louka 4, Spanou 26 (17tr.), Christinaki 4, Parks 21 (3tr.), Hairistanidou, Stoliga, Fasoula 26 (1tr.)
Spanou had 24 points in the 36th minute, while Parks scored a career-high 21 points.
Statements after the match
Petros Prekas (Federal coach):
“The main goal was achieved, the team qualified for the second phase. We thank the people of Thessaloniki for their support. We are waiting for the draw for the next round.”
Artemis Spanou (Chief):
“We showed our true selves after the defeat in Croatia. We thank Thessaloniki for the love and support. Now we’re looking at the next phase.”
Mariella Fasoula:
“We played for our world, which was our sixth man. The victory came also thanks to this support”.
Eduardo Gonzalez (Denmark Coach):
“Congratulations to Greece for the excellent performance. It was a difficult match, but the Greek team played hard and consistently.”
Program & Results of the First Qualifying Phase
1st matchday (12/11):
Skopje – Denmark 79-78
Greece – Croatia 73-76
2nd matchday (15/11):
Croatia – Denmark 77-89
Skopje – Greece 84-101
3rd matchday (18/11):
Croatia – Skopje 83-55
Denmark – Greece 93-97
4th matchday (11/3):
Denmark – Skopje 125-57
Croatia – Greece 98-73
5th matchday (14/3):
Greece – Skopje 101-47
Denmark – Croatia 81-61
6th matchday (17/3):
Greece – Denmark 99-77
Skopje – Croatia 53-91
Final First Round Standings:
Croatia 4-2
Greece 4-2
Denmark 3-3
Skopje 1-5
Next steps
The Women’s National Team will participate in the Second Qualifying Phase with 24 teams, including 17 teams from the first round and 7 from the qualifying phase of the 2027 World Cup. The group draw will take place on 31 March in Switzerland, with matches to be played in November 2026 and February 2027.
As Chineke stated: “When we play proper basketball we are unstoppable. We have to keep going like this to reach the top!”
