Finally, the atmosphere. The Czechs will challenge Mexico at home and do not want to be intimidated – Sport.cz

The Czechs already played against Mexico in preparation for the pre-qualification tournament. They won by twelve points in Pueblo a week ago.

“We expect a similar game. The opponent will not change his style of play. They are mostly smaller players, they have one senior who doesn’t run as much as us, so I think they will play in a very low line, which is similar the previous games we played here,” recalls Martin Bašta, assistant coach. to Romana Ptáčková the fact that the Czechs had a height advantage in every duel in the pre-qualification so far.

Compared to last week, the Czech representatives are already better adapted to the high altitude. “The first game was very challenging for us from a physical point of view, now we are more used to this climate and altitude. I believe it will be better than the first match, and of course Mexico is more dynamic, but we have nothing to fear if we play the way we want,” said pivot Natálie Stoupalová.

The biggest fear of the Mexican team is the player Gabriela Jaquezová, who will raise more than 22 points per game in the tournament. “She’s the most special player on the whole team. A very good basketball player and we have to find out how to stop her, which I will keep to myself, “laughs wise Bašta, who is in charge of video analysis of the opponents.

The semi-final match with Mexico will also be unusual for the Czechs in terms of atmosphere. It can be assumed that several supporters will come to support the home team. Until now, Romany Ptáčková’s wards played in front of almost empty venues. “Finally we will play in some position. Of course, it will be an advantage for the home team, but that’s why we play these games, to play in front of such a background,” said the assistant coach.

The twenty-six-year-old pivot is also looking forward to a packed hall. “I am happy that we are playing with the home team, because games where the hall is full are always a little more. I hope it will be good and we will have an unforgettable experience,” said Stoupalová.

Pre-qualification tournaments are the new FIBA ​​tournament format​​​​. Teams that are high enough in the world ranking and at the same time did not reach the Olympic Games this year in Paris will play in the competition. The Czech Republic is 23rd in the world, 13th in the European ranking.

From the two pre-qualifying tournaments, which were played in Mexico (with Czech participation) and Rwanda, only the winner will advance to the main qualifying stage. If the Czechs do not succeed in pre-qualification, they will still have the chance to progress from the 2025 European Championship, if they finish in 8th place. Only the winner of the continental competition automatically advances to the World Cup.

The certificate itself is also new. There will be four world championships for 24 teams that will be held in early 2026. There will be 16 teams in the World Championship in Berlin in two years.