The Portuguese national basketball team just wrapped up a busy stretch. They battled in the Málaga International Tournament, even pulling off a surprise win against Spain’s main squad. After that, they had a private game against Argentina in Madrid. Now, the team is back home, taking a much-needed breather on Monday. This rest is crucial. They need to recharge before diving back into intense training tonight. This final push is all about getting ready for the EuroBasket finals.
Coach Mário Gomes has a clear plan for the next few days. The team will be in Braga, playing two more important games. They will face Iceland on Friday and Sweden on Saturday. These matches are the last real tests before their big EuroBasket debut in Riga. Before they head off, they even have one more friendly. That game is against Sporting in Sines on August 21st.
Captain Miguel Queiroz is back on the court and feeling good. He only played in the last game against Argentina, but his shoulder injury seems to be behind him. “There’s always a dip in physical fitness in the third week,” the FC Porto center explained. He added that the games in Spain helped the team get into shape and build routines. “From now on, we just need to work to get better,” Queiroz said. The EuroBasket opener against the Czech Republic is now just 17 days away.
Queiroz hopes to see clear improvements in Braga during these final test matches. He feels the team could have performed better in their recent outings. “We could have done much better,” he admitted. But he also believes the team is finding its rhythm. “I feel the team is starting to get in shape,” he stated, stressing the goal to be in top form when the EuroBasket starts.
Not all news has been good recently. Portugal was missing a few key players in the game against Argentina. Neemias Queta and Anthony da Silva were both out with injuries. They picked up these knocks last Thursday in the close 63-65 loss to Spain B. Cândido Sá also had a small injury.
Neemias Queta is dealing with a “slight injury in the right hip area.” Anthony da Silva has a “small bone bruise.” Both players are staying with the team as they work to recover from their issues. Coach Mário Gomes still has some tough choices to make. He must cut two players from the roster before the EuroBasket begins.
The team will travel to Riga on August 24th. There, they will compete in EuroBasket Group A. Their schedule is packed: Czech Republic on August 27th, Serbia on August 29th, Turkey on August 30th, Latvia on September 1st, and Estonia on September 3rd. To make it to the knockout stages, Portugal needs to finish in the top four spots within their group.