Franz Wagner shines as Germany triumphs over Sweden

Aug 29, 2025 2:44 PM

Germany’s title defense at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 is gathering steam, and their latest showing in Tampere was another statement of intent.

Behind the star pairing of Franz Wagner and Dennis Schroder, the reigning world champions brushed aside Sweden 105-83 to remain unbeaten in Group B.

From the very first possession, Germany looked sharp, playing with pace, confidence, and ruthless efficiency.

Schroder dictated the tempo, Wagner brought versatility at both ends, and the supporting cast fed off that energy.

The result was a wire-to-wire win that never felt in doubt, as Germany improved to 2-0 in group play.

Germany’s accuracy was striking. They knocked down 62 percent of their attempts in the opening half and still maintained a remarkable 61 percent clip by the final buzzer.

A double-digit cushion was secured late in the first quarter, and aside from Sweden’s brief push early in the second, the Germans never surrendered control.

Sweden, short-handed without Pelle Larsson and Simon Birgander, fought bravely but ultimately lacked the depth and size to seriously threaten.

Shooting 45 percent from the floor kept them in the contest for stretches, but Germany’s relentless offensive rhythm proved too much.

TCL Player of the Game

Wagner was clinical and composed, finishing with 21 points on 6-for-11 shooting while earning TCL Player of the Game honors.

His calm efficiency perfectly complemented Schroder’s more aggressive approach, with the captain piling up 23 points and 7 assists in front of Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie, who watched courtside.

Melwin Pantzar was Sweden’s standout, leading his side with 18 points.

Stats Don’t Lie

Germany capitalized on Sweden’s missing pieces, punishing them in the paint and forcing fouls at will. They made 26 of 33 free throws and drained 11 triples, while Sweden only managed 6 of 14 at the stripe.

For the Swedes, the defensive challenge was immense – conceding 59 first-half points, their second-highest total ever before halftime at a EuroBasket, behind only the 61 surrendered to Bulgaria in 1965.

Bottom Line

For Germany, the rhythm is building. Two wins in two games underline their consistency and efficiency, with Lithuania waiting on Saturday in what promises to be their first true test of the group stage.

Sweden, meanwhile, remain winless at 0-2 and will aim to bounce back when they face Great Britain.

They Said

“We controlled the game from the beginning. We started better than in the first game, especially offensively. We attacked, we moved the ball well, we shot a great percentage from the three-point line,” said Alan Ibrahimagic, Germany assistant coach.

“We came out strong, we had an 8-0 start and they came into the game a bit afterwards, but we were able to keep the lead for the whole game, and we kept our identity and playing style that we want to play, which is good,” added Maodo Lo of Germany.

“I was proud of our guys’ mindset. We’re missing two important players today, and that’s not an excuse, but I think our guys handled it on the court very well, mentally. They worked as hard as they could all game, and that’s part of us,” said Mikko Riipinen, Sweden head coach.

“It’s always hard playing against Germany, they have their trademark, they’re pretty consistent, it doesn’t matter who they play, they play the same style, they’re world champions for a reason. For us, I think we had a lot of good minutes where we played good basketball,” reflected Barra Njie of Sweden.