FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers Power Rankings, Volume 4

MUNICH (Germany) - The last FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 Qualifiers window is coming into focus and, ahead of what will be make or break for many nations, it's time to check out the updated Power Rankings.

Three nations – Belgium, Serbia and Sweden – have already qualified, joining Final Round co-hosts France and Spain at the event, meaning 11 tickets are still up for grabs.

The competition system is available here and there will also be further permutations features published prior to Gameday 5 and Gameday 6. Meanwhile previous versions of the Power Rankings: Volume 1; Volume 2, Volume 3.

#1 Belgium  (0)

Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group G and qualified already)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 5th (Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 6th

Still at the top of the rankings for this last window, this time the Cats will be without Julie Allemand, but even without their brilliant playmaker, should not worry. After all, they were missing the outstanding Emma Meesseman and Kyara Linskens last November and still managed to get the wins needed to punch their ticket. Already heading for the Final Round, this will be more about keeping the momentum and feel good factor flowing.

#2 Serbia  (+1)

Current Record: 3-0 (1st in Group E and qualified already)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 3rd Place
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 8th

It's a move upwards for Serbia since they are already assured of their place at the Final Round. Head coach Marina Maljkovic may give some of her fringe players a greater opportunity or try out some younger options, Maybe she won't have a lot of choice, with some injuries in the squad to the likes of Maja Skoric and Dragana Stankovic. 

#3 Sweden  (+1)

Current Record: 3-0 (1st in Group B and already qualified)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 6th (Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 20th

It's also one stair higher for Sweden too, because they are the third team who have already banked their Final Round spot. That was such a pleasure for Marco Crespi as he achieved the feat with a team that was missing a stack of headline acts. With younger players shining brightly last time, the playcaller has some real nice selection headaches moving towards the summer. There's plenty to play for here though, since top spot in the group is not yet secured.

#4 Slovenia  (-1)

Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group A and qualified already)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 10th (Qualification for the Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 30th

Don't panic Slovenia fans, the fall of one place is only because Sweden have booked their place and you can't compete with someone already having been confirmed. Barring an absolute shock of epic proportions, a third straight Final Round is surely on the cards. Currently unbeaten, with Nika Baric likely to be back after missing the last window and with Teja Oblak, Zala Friskovec and Eva Lisec in good form, there should be an air of expectation right now. Especially on home soil in Ljubljana. A socially distanced celebration party surely awaits.

#5 Russia  (+2)

Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group C)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 8th (Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 12th

Russia dealt brilliantly under pressure in Bosnia and Herzegovina to take victory and top spot. Having looked over an unpleasant cliff edge in that game, they prevailed and it's looking a near certainty they will protect their amazing tradition of appearing at the Final Round. There's home advantage in Orenburg, Raisa Musina is still in top gear, plus Kseniia Levchenko showed out for Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje in EuroCup Women so there's much to be confident about.

The newly appointed Lino Lardo enjoyed a productive first window in the hot-seat for Italy

#6 Italy  (+6)

Current Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group D)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 9th (Qualification For Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 16th

It proved to be a super introduction to the national team for Lino Lardo last November when he debuted with wins against Romania and Czech Republic. It really got Italy onto the front foot. They may have just missed out on the head to head with their main competitors the Czechs, but you sense the force is with Italy. Cecilia Zandalasini has started playing really well at Fenerbahce and it seems inconceivable they could fail to finish with anything but a 5-1 record.

#7 Bosnia and Herzegovina  (+1)

Current Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group C)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 37th

On paper at least, Bosnia and Herzegovina look right on course to make the Final Round for the first time since the 1990s. They should be able to get at least one win against Estonia or Switzerland, except they might be a little more nervous with news that their twin turbos will be absent. Marica Gajic is out injure and Jonquel Jones is not playing either. Courtney Hurt has been naturalizez, but missed the last ESBVA game at club level with injury. If they do win this  next game, they will advance!

#8 Czech Republic  (-3)

Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group D)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 15th (Group Phase)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 17th

On reflection, it's probably harsh, since while Czech Republic were defeated by Italy in that last window, they didn't lose the head-to-head. It's a Power rankings fall but the glass is half full. Two wins will surely be forthcoming against Romania and Denmark. Nothing can be taken for granted, but it looks highly likely. If Katerina Elhotova can find the hot hand like last time and Lenka Bartakova can replicate her form too, then good things are going to happen.

#9 Croatia  (-3)

Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group I)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 31st

It's a fall for Croatia on the basis they lost to Latvia in their last game in the competiton, but not too much of a fall because they did save that potentially priceless head-to-head. Stipe Bralic and his team had a great start to their campaign and if they can do the double over Germany, they will progress to the Final Round, perhaps against the expectation of many observers. The downside is that Ivana Dojkic is out of form. but the upside is that Ana Marija Begic is enjoying a great club season, and besides Dojkic loves to light it up in a Croatian vest. 

#10 Germany  (+5)

Current Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group I)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 36th

It was a good first introduction to the competition for head coach Walt Hopkins during the last window, but now his team must finish the job. A win could be enough, but it's likely that Germany will need to beat both Croatia and Latvia to be sure. They go into the games with Luisa Geiselsoder still enjoying a nice debut season with Landerneau, but Marie Guelich is missing having  excelled at Valencia and there is still no sign of Fenerbahce star Satou Sabally. So, it might be tricky.

Netherlands have a great opportunity to reach their first Final Round since the 1980s

#11 Netherlands  (+3)

Current Record: 2-1 (1st in Group H)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 46th

It's been a long time since Netherlands punched a ticket to the Final Round and here they have an outstanding opportunity to get the job done for the first time in three decades. While they had mixed results last time, they could be just one victory away from success. They'll also get additional power in the paint with the previously injured Janis Boonstra and Kourtney Treffers added to the squad.

#12 Slovakia  (+9)

Current Record: 1-1 (3rd in Group H)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 24th

Home advantage could be a big factor for a Slovakian team which had a fabulous November window when they got their opening victory with a comeback win against Netherlands. Now they must repeat that and also win against Hungary to be absolutely sure of advancing to Final Round. Barbora Balintova will lead the way and pull the strings as usual while Sabina Oroszova has been a standout player of the campaign to date.

#13 Belarus  (-4)

Current Record: 1-0 (2nd in Group F)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 13th (Group Phase)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 11th

Belarus have fallen down the rankings on the basis they didn't get to play in the last window and it's a long time since they stepped out in the Qualifiers. It leaves them with an intense schedule, with two games against Poland and one against Great Britain. But at least they have a strong squad rumored to be turning up, including Mariya Papova, Anastasia Verameyenka, Alex Bentley and Katsiaryna Snytsina, they should still progress, courtesy of two wins against Poland at least. 

#14 Great Britain  (+6)

Current Record: 2-1 (1st in Group F)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 4th (Semi-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 18th

The scenario looks quite clear for Great Britain heading into this last window. It could be do or die against Belarus. Win and they will finish 3-1 and be heading to Final Round. This potentially positive outcome comes off the back of a brilliant victory against Poland last time when despite missing a number of starters, Chema Buceta and his team did the business. With Johannah Leedham-Warner out due to maternity leave, they won't be at full strength, but should be able to rely on the likes of Temi Fagbenle and Karlie Samuelson.

#15 Greece  (+3)

Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group A)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 13th

Boosted by news the experienced Jacki Gemelos is available, Greece could make up for missing out on Final Round in 2019 by putting themselves in the mix to advance. Although it is also possible they will just be squeezed out once more. They should be confident of claiming a 4-2 record with wins against Iceland and Bulgaria, although the latter are dangerous. Tenerife center Maria Fasoula could also be key.

#16 Ukraine  (-5)

Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group G)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 20197: 16th (Group Phase)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 25th

Ukraine remains very much the phenomenal Alina Iagupova and a supporting cast that sometimes struggles to provide the cameos needed. Their plan A of heavily relying on their marquee star is largely fruitful, but others must also step up if Ukraine are to seal second spot as anticipated. They will face Portugal and Finland and if they get two wins, will face an anxious wait to see if they will advance to Final Round.

#17 Latvia  (0)

Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group I)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 11th (Qualification For Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 21st

It's going to be very, very close as to whether Latvia can sneak into Final Round or will be left disappointed. The win against Croatia last time was welcome, but they didn't secure the head-to-head, while a close defeat to Germany was agonizing. At least they have given themselves the best chance with home advantage in Riga, plus a very strong roster including a powerful frontcourt combo of Anete Steinberga and Kristine Vitola. TTT Riga winger Kitija Laksa is also in good form too.

Turkey lost an overtime epic to Serbia in their last game and will be without tenacious leader Isil Alben

#18 Turkey  (-8)

Current Record: 1-2 (2nd in Group E)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 14th (Group Phase)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 7th

A massive fall for Turkey is that they are facing the very real prospect of missing out on the Final Round for the first time in almost two decades. The best they can achieve is a 2-2 record in the group and that may not be enough - their fate will be left hanging in the balance and dependent on results elsewhere. Of course, that is also only if they get the job done against Lithuania who are itching to get a first win and have some real talent. Turkey will have to do without star guard and leader Isil Alben, who is out injured along with Tilbe Senyurek. It is not impossible they advance, but it looks a very tricky path.

#19 Hungary  (-6)

Current Record: 1-2 (2nd in Group H)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 7th (Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 29th

Everyone associated with Hungary will still be kicking themselves for that nightmare start against Netherlands in that last window when they almost climbed the mountain with a rescue mission, but ended up getting pipped. Having made the last eight of Final Round in 2019, they might not even make it this time. It's going to go down to the wire and there is no margin for error. They must beat Slovakia to keep their hopes alive and the return of veteran EuroLeague Women performer Zsofia Fegyverneky will certainly help.

#20 Montenegro  (+2)

Current Record: 1-1 (2nd in Group B)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: 12th (Qualification For Quarter-Finals)
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 23rd

It's up in the air whetherMontenegro will be able to pass to Final Round as the most likely record looks like being 2-2, assuming they safely beat Israel. They will probably need to beat Sweden to vastly increase their chances and that could be a real challenge. However, they have been given a significant boost with the return of their star forward Jelena Dubljevic who has not featured in recent years. She excelled recently in EuroCup Women with new entrants Elazig.

#21 Bulgaria  (+5)

Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group A)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 44th

Bulgaria enjoy a big move up the rankings off the back of an impressive performance against Greece last November, even if they just fell short of victory - although they did pull of a huge victory against Iceland. Now they will get to face Greece again and that could be fascinating, especially if Borislava Hristova continues to be on fire. She was excellent in the last window and starred in EuroCup Women for Gorzow. However, beating Slovenia does still look like a remote prospect. 

#22 Lithuania  (-6)

Current Record: 0-2 (3rd in Group E)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 32nd

It's a longshot Lithuania could dig themselves out of a 0-2 hole. It's frustrating as they have a talented roster, led by Gintare Petronyte, who is playing brilliantly and recently won consecutive Top Performer awards in EuroCup Women. Throw in Laura Juskaite, Laura Miskiniene, Giedre Labuckiene and Egle Siksniute, who are all playing for EuroLeague Women or EuroCup Women teams and this roster would grace the Final Round. However, a group with Turkey and Serbia always looked challenging. Nevertheless, they must surely avoid a winless campaign - even if  they did technically get a win against Albania, who have withdrawn from the Qualifiers since.

#23 Portugal  (0)

Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group G)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Round of 16
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 48th

Losing against Finland in the last window, having beaten them previously by double digits, was hard to stomach for a nation that continues to struggle to make any impression in qualification campaigns. Now it's Ukraine and Belgium, and at least Portugal were reasonably resilient against both, even if ultimately losing in the previous meetings. They just don't have the consistent offensive firepower that would make them much more dangerous. 

#24 Switzerland  (+1)

Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group C)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 62nd

Things seem positive for women's basketball in Switzerland, with BCF Elfic Fribourg making the Round of 16 in EuroCup Women and the national team having won two games during this campaign. Completing the double over Estonia was important, but now a much bigger test awaits against Russia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. After being generally blown out in previous games, being more competitive and pushing their opponents harder will be the aim. The in-form Marielle Giroud should lead the fight.

 
A special performance from Maria Jespersen led Denmark to a famous victory against Romania

#25 Denmark  (+4)

Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group D)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 53rd

It's a nice climb for Denmark who may be 1-3 in the group, but there is no forgetting that landmark success in the last window against Romania. It was their first victory at this level since 1999, with a spectacular individual display from Maria Jespersen pacing a memorable success. However it was actually a great team success and so even if they face the significant challenge of Italy and Czech Republic, they can do so with the confidence gained from a seriously special memory, which underlines that they deserve to be playing in this competition.

#26 Finland  (+4)

Current Record: 1-3 (4th in Group G)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 58th

The climb up the rankings is due to that much needed first win of their campaign in Portugal and also because this time, they will have likely 2021 WNBA draftee Awak Kuier on board after the athletic rising star was absent last November. The Susiladies do have a tough schedule though, since they are facing group winners Belgium and a Ukraine side still hopeful of reaching Final Round.

#27 Romania  (-8)

Current Record: 1-3 (4th in Group D)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 45th

The biggest fall in our rankings is for Romania after not only the surprise loss to Denmark, but the extent of the defeat too. The 17-point reverse was one of the lowest points in recent memory for them. If they want to bounce back positively from that massive setback, it won't be easy because their last two games are against Czech Republic and Italy.

#28 Israel  (-1)

Current Record: 0-3 (3rd in Group B)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 40th

It's going to be at least 13 years between Final Round appearances for Israel, since it's highly unlikely they will make it this time. The energy and shooting ability they showed in the last window was impressive at times, but they just don't have that depth in the paint to compete. Consequently they are winless and have one chance left to salvage some pride with a first victory when they face Montenegro in their last remaining game.

#29 Poland  (-5)

Current Record: 0-2 (3rd in Group F)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 35th

Poland tumble several places after their dreadful performance against a depleted Great Britain team. Arguably their worst defeat in memory, it exposed a lack of depth and quality. They could make amends in consecutive derby games against neighbors Belarus, but wins don't look likely as head coach Maros Kovacik builds for the future with the selection of the best younger players.

#30 Estonia  (-2)

Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group C)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 56th

Blown away by Bosnia and Herzegovina and pipped by Switzerland when they had a super opportunity to find a win, it looks like an unwanted 0-6 record is now likely. Not least because the minnows now face Russia and a rematch against Bosnia and Herzegovina. It would be an epic shock if they did win. Staying in the game until the last quarter is probably the most realistic target.

#31 North Macedonia  (+1)

Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group I)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify 
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 73rd

Even if they are winless, a modest move up a place seemed deserved due to the fact they led Germany at half-time in the last window and fought hard. Yes, they had the newly arrived naturalized option of DeWanna Bonner, but Andzelika Mitrasinovik was also terrific in helping them be really competitive.

#32 Iceland  (-1)

Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group A)
FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2019: Did not qualify
FIBA World Ranking presented by Nike: 66th

It's the spot nobody wants to be. The new basement dwellers take a fall because of that offensive drought in the previous games when they couldn't find any kind of scoring touch outside of their leader and the hugely talented Sara Run Hinriksdottir. Now they face Greece and Slovenia. Ouch!

*The power rankings are entirely subjective and is in no way a true, accurate ranking systems. All comments are purely those of the author.