MUNICH (Germany) - The second window of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifiers is done and dusted so it's time to assess who each team performed against expectation in their recent fixtures. The respective displays and results of each nation have been reviewed, with any mitigating circumstances taken into account and that has led to the following grades from our expert panel.
Austria C+
Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group A) Second Window: vs Croatia (L) 80-91; vs Netherlands (L) 57-73 The underdogs of the group continued their campaign with another pair of losses and were unable to push either Croatia or Netherlands into single digits. But Austria were still relatively competitive, looked after the ball well, but just didn't have the firepower needed to flirt with a first win.
Azerbaijan C-
Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group C) Second Window: vs Poland (L) 105-51; vs Lithuania (L) 47-108 It proved to be another challenging window for the winless Azerbaijan as they continue to take steps forward at this level. But even with the naturalized Arica Carter, it was two massive losses against Poland and Lithuania. There was not enough support for their star baller and with her well guarded, others needed to step up.
Belgium B
Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group C) Second Window: vs Lithuania (W) 81-70; vs Poland (W) 77-80 It was a gripping and rollercoaster time for Belgium who survived to improve to 3-1. But they came perilously close to being on the wrong end of Poland doing the double against them. Typically, Emma Meesseman saved the day once again. Two wins is two wins, but this was edge of your seat stuff for Cats' fans - and not in a good way.
Bosnia and Herzegovina D+
Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group H) Second Window: vs Switzerland (L) 62-81; vs Montenegro (L) 85-52 The implosion of Bosnia and Herzegovina continued with a home loss to Switzerland and a similarly crushing loss in the derby with Montenegro. The spectacular days of 5th place at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2021 and appearing at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 feels light years ago. Only Melisa Brcaninovic really hit a high gear.
Bulgaria B+
Current Record: 1-3 (4th in Group B) Second Window: vs Hungary (W) 68-83; vs Finland (L) 85-72 Despite the loss against Finland taking the shine off a little bit, there is no doubt that their stunning 15-point success and first win of the campaign in Hungary was one of the best results in recent memory. The addition of the naturalized Khaalia Hillsman could be a game-changer and especially providing a one-two punch with Borislava Hristova.
Croatia B
Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group A) Second Window: vs Austria (W) 80-91; vs Spain (L) 78-62 Missing some key stars this was a solid enough window from Croatia as they eventually saw off Austria in a potential banana skin and then competed reasonably with Spain - even if getting nowhere near a shock win. Andrijana Cvitkovic was sensational in both games and there were nice cameos from Iva Slonjsak and Ana-Marija Begic.
Czechia C-
Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group I) Second Window: vs Italy (L) 68-47; vs Germany (L) 74-67 Still searching for a first win, Czechia can take some crumbs of comfort in that they are already qualified at least as co-hosts. They can also be satisfied with the super form of their young center Emma Cechova who was superb. The huge loss to Italy will be a concern and defensively they will need to turn up the dial moving forward.
Denmark C+
Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group D) Second Window: vs Great Britain (L) 75-62; vs Estonia (L) 66-58 This grade does feel a little harsh and there is an argument for a B- since Denmark did battle hard in Manchester against Great Britain. However, they lost one of their more winnable games against fellow underdogs Estonia and that hurts. Maria Jespersen showed her leadership as usual, but there was barely any production from the supporting cast.
Estonia A-
Current Record: 1-3 (4th in Group D) Second Window: vs Sweden (L) 52-82; vs Denmark (W) 66-58 Estonia enjoyed Gameday 4 as they bounced back from a mauling by Sweden to beat Denmark. It was a satisfying team effort and having beaten Great Britain in the 2023 Qualifiers, Tallinn is becoming a tricky place to go. The defense of Kadri-Ann Lass was essential, with Sofia Kosareva and Mallis Pokk also influential on a day to cherish for home fans.
Finland B+
Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group B) Second Window: vs Slovenia (L) 62-84; vs Bulgaria (L) 85-72 Torched by the unstoppable Jessica Shepard on her debut for Slovenia, Finland found the resilience to punch back against a Bulgaria team on a high from a shock win in Hungary. The superb Awak Kuier was on fire and posted the highest Gameday 4 Performance efficiency valuation. The long-term signs at least are looking good for the Susiladies.
France A+
Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group E) Second Window: vs Israel (W) 94-52; vs Latvia (W) 51-82 Despite missing some big-hitters, they never missed a step to showcase their power and why they took silver at Paris 2024 and will be favorites for the title at the FIBA Women's EuroBasket. Gabby Williams did Gabby Williams things to lead the way as usual. They're just far too good and too deep for anyone to challenge in Group E.
Germany A
Current Record: 3-1 (4th in Group I) Second Window: vs Greece (W) 79-76; vs Czechia (W) 74-67 Without the standout power of Satou and Nyara Sabally, as well as the ever impressive Leonie Fiebich, next year's co-hosts Germany still managed to pull out a pair of wins and that shows where they're at right now- still on the rise! Three starters down, Marie Guelich and young Frieda Buhner stepped up, but an injury to Alexis Peterson was a blow.
Great Britain B
Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group D) Second Window: vs Denmark (W) 75-62; vs Sweden (L) 63-60 This was an agonizing window. Without playing brilliantly, they did what they had to do against Denmark but then suffered a second tight loss of the campaign against their nemesis Sweden. Holly Winterburn was superb again, with Temi Fagbenle also impressing. However the Brits are developing a worrying over-reliance on this one-two punch.
Greece B+
Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group I) Second Window: vs Germany (L) 79-76; vs Italy (W) 56-45 After almost squeezing out a short-handed Germany, the lockdown of Italy bodes well for Greece moving forward. They look a completely different entity when they have Mariella Fasoula back in the mix and their star center's return was a timely boost for everyone. The other good news is Elena Tsineke is also now putting up big shows too.
Hungary C+
Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group B) Second Window: vs Bulgaria (L) 68-83; vs Slovenia (L) 74-67 Not a disaster, but not far short - this was a very bad window. They went into it unbeaten and hoping to punch a ticket, but two losses mean their hopes are now in the balance. The loss to Bulgaria was a shock, but the margin an even bigger one. Most ballers misfired and they looked a world away from being 2023 Semi-Finalists in Ljubljana.
Iceland B+
Current Record: 2-2 (4th in Group F) Second Window: vs Slovakia (L) 70-78; vs Romania (W) 77-73 This was a very encouraging and eye-catching couple of games for Iceland who pushed Slovakia and then won a tight one with Romania. Much of this was due to the brilliance of Danielle Rodriguez who made her debut and was sensational in getting her team the win. But so was Thelma dis Agustsdottir who also lit it up brilliantly.
Ireland C+
Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group E) Second Window: vs Latvia (L) 85-53; vs Israel (L) 61-90 Ireland never really got firing in this window and sorely missed the towering presence of Claire Melia. At least there was a performance to remember for Bridget Herlihy who was excellent against Israel with a 27-point haul. But unless they fix their ability to look after the ball, things will not look up. Ireland spilled the ball 61 times in this window.
Israel B
Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group E) Second Window: vs France (L) 52-94; vs Ireland (W) 90-61 Competing with France was always going to be a big test and Israel fell short. At least they picked themselves up with a big win of their own on Gameday 4 against Ireland. Jennie Simms was the architect as she posted a tremendous triple-double that gained her a spot in the Top Performers lineup. Daniel Raber also did well in the paint for her team.
Italy B
Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group I) Second Window: vs Czechia (W) 68-47; vs Greece (L) 56-45 There could barely have been two more contrasting results than that 21-point win against Czechia and then not even breaking 50 points against Greece. However as co-hosts and no qualification on the line, Italy have been experimenting with a wide pool of players. Matilde Villa and Olbis Andre both did most to impress.
Latvia B-
Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group E) Second Window: vs Ireland (W) 85-53; vs France (L) 51-82 This was not a great window for Latvia, since they beat an Ireland team without their marquee baller and then were dismantled by a French team missing a host of their top names. The margin of the loss was the biggest disappointment and outside of Kitija Laksa finding some great shooting form, there was not a lot else to cheer.
Lithuania B+
Current Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group C) Second Window: vs Belgium (L) 81-70; vs Azerbaijan (W) 47-108 While this may seem slightly generous having lost to Belgium by double-digits, Lithuania avoided being blown away, took care of business against Azerbaijan as expected and will finish with two home games in February. Laura Juskaite was superb across this window and helped fill the void left by the recently retired Gintare Petronyte which was pivotal.
Luxembourg B+
Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group H) Second Window: vs Montenegro (W) 71-49; vs Switzerland (L) 44-59 Luxembourg are chasing a first ever FIBA Women's EuroBasket ticket, mainly due to an fine win against Montenegro. But they could have been in an amazing position had they not then lost to Switzerland at home. Amanda Cahill had an outstanding debut window with huge numbers - as did Faith Ehie Etute. Meanwhile, Anne Simon was top quality too.
Montenegro B-
Current Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group H) Second Window: vs Luxembourg (L) 71-49; vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (W) 85-52 This was a very strange window as they crashed and burned badly against Luxembourg, having not previously lost a game. Recovering to beat a Bosnia and Herzegovina side in disarray didn't really tell us much, so they leave the window with more questions than answers. Qualifying is still firmly in their hands, but there's work to do in February.
Netherlands B+
Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group A) Second Window: vs Spain (L) 66-59; vs Austria (W) 57-73 This was a very encouraging window for Netherlands who kept themselves in with a shot by only suffering a small loss to Spain on the road and beating Austria comfortably. Emese Hof and Laura Cornelius showed their teeth and EuroLeague Women quality as the leading duo. Noor Driessen also shone with a big show against Austria.
North Macedonia C-
Current Record: 0-4 (4th in Group G) Second Window: vs Ukraine (L) 40-98; vs Portugal (L) 43-76 This was another window when North Macedonia were unable to get close to their opponents and the inevitable two huge defeats were delivered. The naturalized Merrit Hempe was unable to come up with any standout displays after being well take care of by both defenses, but Andjelika Mitrashinovikj did impress with a pair of nice performances.
Poland A-
Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group C) Second Window: vs Azerbaijan (W) 105-51; vs Belgium (L) 77-80 So near and yet so far! Beating Azerbaijan was a lock and Poland almost did a jaw-dropping double over FIBA Women's EuroBasket champs Belgium but were squeezed out in a thriller. Massive credit is due for testing the Cats again. The steps taken by Poland in the past year or two have been absolutely huge. They'll keep fighting for a ticket.
Portugal B
Current Record: 3-1 (2nd in Group G) Second Window: vs Serbia (L) 71-37; vs North Macedonia (W) 43-76 Unbeaten at 2-0, Portugal will have hoped to have competed better against Serbia. Their lack of firepower against an intense defense was brutally exposed by not even getting to 40 points. The reaction against North Macedonia was needed and expected. Still 3-1, there are reasons to be positive, but performance wise, it was a backwards step.
Romania C+
Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group F) Second Window: vs Türkiye (L) 101-54; vs Iceland (L) 77-73 Going to Türkiye always looked like a daunting one and so it proved as they suffered a massive defeat. The opportunity to bounce back against Iceland was missed in a painful narrow defeat. Few players managed to produce the kind of level the team needed - with the exception of Alexandra Ghita.
Serbia A
Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group G) Second Window: vs Portugal (W) 71-37; vs Ukraine (W) 53-79 Even if their opponents were below their best, you have to hand it to Serbia for their incredible defensive capabilities which reduced Portugal and Ukraine to a combined 90 points in two games. That is awesome and with Yvonne Anderson running the show and new young guns integrated, it was a very successful window.
Slovakia B+
Current Record: 2-2 (2nd in Group F) Second Window: vs Iceland (W) 70-78; vs Türkiye (L) 50-65 This is a rating that could be seen as generous, but playing Iceland is tricky as Romania found out to their cost and Slovakia got the job done. Even against Türkiye they fought well but were shut down and unable to stop powerhouse center Teaira McCowan. They still have a chance of advancing with Iceland and Romania left to face in February.
Slovenia A+
Current Record: 3-1 (1st in Group B) Second Window: vs Finland (W) 62-84; vs Hungary (W) 74-67 Under pressure heading into the window, the addition of Jessica Shepard was a masterstroke and she delivered with two epic displays that provided the foundation for two vital wins. With their new frontcourt ace on board, they will be favorites to win the group. Zala Friskovec and Eva Lisec also impressed and the feel good factor is back for Slovenia.
Spain A
Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group A) Second Window: vs Netherlands (W) 66-59; vs Croatia (W) 78-62 Spain labored a little in their opener with Netherlands, before beating Croatia with a little more ease. Qualification is now within touching distance. It was also a productive window because they were able to continue welcoming exciting rising stars. Both Awa Fam and Iyana Martin showed their potential wearing a senior vest with nice contributions.
Sweden A
Current Record: 4-0 (4th in Group D) Second Window: vs Estonia (W) 52-82; vs Great Britain (W) 63-60 There were celebrations as Sweden became the first team to collect a ticket and join the four co-hosts of next year's showpiece event. Credit to head coach Kevin Tayor Lundgren and his ballers who blasted past Estonia and kept their composure to edge past Great Britain. Klara Lundquist was superb and Frida Eldebrink's class and experience was vital.
Switzerland A+
Current Record: 2-2 (3rd in Group H) Second Window: vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (W) 62-81; vs Luxembourg (W) 44-59 It was a spectacular window for Switzerland who gave themselves a fighting chance of qualification out of nowhere, having been 0-2. Two superb wins later and they are dreaming again - especially with two home games left. Both victories were emphatic and memorable. Nacy Fora, Lin Schwarz and Stephanie Martinez all dropped notable displays.
Türkiye A
Current Record: 4-0 (1st in Group F) Second Window: vs Romania (W) 101-54; vs Slovakia (L) 50-65 One of only two nations to punch their ticket in this second window Türkiye barely broke a sweat in riding their way past Romania and Slovakia and to a 4-0 record. With Tearira McCowan back on board, they had a special player who nobody could guard effectively. Her window double-double carried them to the Final Round with ease.
Ukraine B-
Current Record: 1-3 (3rd in Group G) Second Window: vs North Macedonia (W) 49-98; vs Serbia (L) 53-79 After breezing past North Macedonia in their first game, the wheels came off for Ukraine against Serbia as they were shut down. Even the usually prolific Alina Iagupova couldn't find top gear to help them stay competitive and in the end they barely scraped over 50 points. With one win in their first four games this is becoming a campaign to forget.
*The gradings are entirely subjective. All comments are purely those of the author.
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