Philip Mestdagh after the draw: “I’m happy”

Philip Mestadgh said he was “happy” after the draw for groups for the Tokyo Olympic Games women’s basketball tournament held on Tuesday in Mies, Switzerland. Belgium was added to Group C along with Australia, China and Puerto Rico: “I’m happy because this draw gives us possibilities to reach the quarter-finals.”

“Australia is a top nation in the world and is close to the level of the United States. We also wanted to shoot Puerto Rico which we know well.“, Mestdagh said.

The Belgian Cats will start their tournament on July 27 against Australia then Puerto Rico on July 30 and finally China on August 2. To qualify for the quarter-finals, Belgium will have to finish in the top two of its group or be in the top two third.

“The draw is not too bad. We can be happy .When you look at group B , it is the group of death. Group A could have been very interesting too, but we also avoided some big teams like Japan, which plays at home, or Nigeria.“, said Julie Allemand

“To face Australia in the opening is an advantage. Against Puerto Rico, we will have to win, if possible with a big gap. A success that will then have to be confirmed against China in the last match. Regardless of the order, each game will have to be played 100% for 40 minutes, ”added Philip Mestdagh.

Kim Mestdagh was also happy with the draw. “I don’t think there was really an ideal draw even if we wanted to avoid Nigeria and have Puerto Rico. Australia is a great nation but if we’re having a good day maybe we could achieve a feat. Puerto Rico and China should not be underestimated but I am confident we can qualify for them. quarter-finals. “