"We have been waiting 16 years", by Dirk Bauerman

POSTGAME QUOTES GERMANY VS PUERTO RICO

Dirk Bauermann (coach, Germany):

"We have been waiting 16 years to take part in the Olympic Games and that is a long time to wait for something. It's a wonderful sentiment. All the guys were on their best behavior so as to qualify onto Beijing".
 
About what their goal in Beijing is: "We are very happy to have qualified and what we wish to do now is celebrate. After all, Athens is the best place on earth to party. So, first of all we will enjoy festivities and then we shall proceed to thinking about the Olympic Games".

About Dirk Nowitzki: "He had many open shots and was our number one guy in defense, fighting for every single rebound and I am very content for him. He must set an example for all children across the world. He hasn't changed a bit over his 15year course, even after all his success and all the money he has made".

About if Dirk's desire to reach Beijing was an extra motive: "Certainly, for Dirk, qualifying to the Olympic Games has been a great dream. But the same goes for the rest of the bunch. Everyone wished to participate in the Olympic Games, they made it and I'm very proud of them".

About tonight's final game against Puerto Rico: "Today, I believe we had our best game in that Tournament against a very good and tough team."

About Greece: "They deserve a lot of credit; they have been the best team in the Tournament. To be exact, I believe that Greece is at the moment the best team in Europe, better than Spain, too. In Panayotis Yannakis they have one of the world's best coaches, excellent perimeter players and, above all, they are a very ballanced team. I wish Greece good luck in Beijing and I really hope not to have to face them there."

About the three teams qualified for the Olympic Games: "They all deserved this. Greece, which was the best, Croatia, which beat us and my team."

Manuel Citron (coach, Puerto Rico):
"Germany was fantastic on both ends of the court and gathered numerous rebounds. At no point were we able to present a resist, or manage to limit their force. Dirk Nowitzki in particular got to make many unmarked shots and we paid the price of this mistake of ours".