The Belgian cats are no match for the battered America in their first World Cup mission | Basketball World Cup

Unbeatable and Unbeatable: This is the status that Team USA has been in for several years. The defeat to the defending champions was already pre-calculated, but there was still a glimmer of hope in advance because 3 players from Las Vegas were still missing after the WNBA Final.

But it soon became apparent in the field that the size of the United States was too large for a Belgian nine-cat. Under the push of Jeel Lloyd and top scorer Brianna Stewart (22 points), America started like a whirlwind: 11-0.

Belgium’s answer could also be there. Emma Meesemann may have been at the American defense pliers throughout the game, but Vanloe – Belgium’s top scorer – and Allemand put the cats back on the US track in no time.

Rimonti was promising, but was quickly nipped in the bud, in part due to carrying a wagon for Belgian ball losses, 25 in total. These many transformations ensured that America could constantly keep cats at a safe distance.

Halfway through the second half, it became clear that the trick was no longer possible and Belgium switched to saving mode. The key players got more rest than usual and Lisa Al-Sharq took advantage of that to show themselves with an enthusiastic defense as well as some good results.

In the end, there was still a moment of panic when the Linskens had to go to the side after a knee-pain duel. Hopefully this will remain without consequences for Belgium, as the cats will still need Centimeters of Linskens for the remainder of the tournament.

Final score: 87-72, tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. Belgium time, it’s dangerous against South Korea. Then you really have to win in order to achieve the ambitions, at least a place in the quarter-finals.