Latvia won the match convincingly 84:55 and speaking to media after the game Banchi, in response to a foreign journalist's question about the atmosphere at home matches of the Latvian national team, admitted that only a person who has experienced it in person can understand it.
"It's something special. You have to be here to understand that emotion and energy. Over the last years it [the emotion] has grown, and as a result we have a special bond. Every time we play in Rīga and the guys are pulling on these [national team] shirts... It's hard to describe," Banchi said.
On the evening of July 3, the Latvian national team will play against the Philippines. The coach admits that switching to the next match, when it takes place the very next day, is not an easy process. Especially if you are facing a team that plays a completely different style of basketball, as will be the case with the Philippines. Another noteworthy aspect is the fact that this will be the first match for the Philippines, while the Latvians will have to play their second match in two days. The coach hopes that his charges will be able to acquit themselves well.
🇱🇻 Latvia cruised past Georgia 88-53 on opening night!#FIBAOQT pic.twitter.com/sVWb7qmKQS
— FIBA (@FIBA) July 2, 2024
The Latvian national team with Banchi at the helm has experienced only three losses in official matches – in the World Cup qualification round against Serbia, as well as in the World Cup finals against Canada and Germany. Of course, victories are more pleasant than losses, but Banchi admitted that continuing a winning streak can be psychologically exhausting.
"It is very difficult. I was at the Siena club for seven years. We won the Italian top league seven times. At the end of each season, we fought with ourselves to keep the demands on ourselves at a high level. In this group of players [in the Latvian national team], I like the fact that, despite changes in the lineup or different levels of preparation, they play with a lot of energy. We try to make improvements no matter what. Even in the qualifying cycles, which are very short," said Banchi.
Brazil, Montenegro and Cameroon meet in the second group in Rīga. The Brazilian national team defeated the Montenegrin basketball players 81:72 in the first game on Tuesday.
The two best teams of both groups will continue the battle in the semi-finals on Saturday, while only the winners of the final game, which will be decided on Sunday, July 7, will earn a ticket to Paris.
Full details of the games and the qualifying tournament can be found at the official FIBA website.
