[InTime Sports]
Greece suffered two unexpected defeats within three days in its World Cup 2027 qualifying group at the end of this first stage and is entering the second phase with plenty of work to do to reach next year’s finals.
On Thursday Greece lost 73-66 at Romania even though it had led 58-44. On Sunday a second shocking result came, a home loss to Portugal with a 71-56 score.
The Greek players did not appear strong enough in offense in either match, and seemed to lack the necessary direction that would see them maintain their lead at Oradea and make the most of the home advantage at Ano Liossia, against teams that were inferior on paper.
Also worryingly, some referee calls showed that Greece does not command the respect it used to, and this is something the Hellenic Basketball Federation ought to look into.
Greece has finished the first stage with a 3-3 record, which it is carrying over to the second phase where it will face Spain, Ukraine and Georgia.
