BASKETBALL: The Irish senior men will approach tonight's European Championship semi-final round match against Germany in the Arena in Tallaght at 7 p.m. as a must-win game to keep their qualification chances alive over the coming weeks.
Ireland are fourth in Group C behind leaders Germany, and will need to win at least three of the their five remaining games to qualify for the 2003 finals.
Germany narrowly won 85-77 in the away leg this time last year, and despite their deserved status as group favourites the Irish will be confident. Home advantage has brought out the best in the side and Monday night's 79-69 win in a warm-up with England has provided a useful boost in confidence.
Cal Bowdler, the latest call-up to the squad, has added substantial scoring ability and certainly makes up for the loss of Mike Mitchell. But big performances will be also required from captain Jay Larranaga and Dan Callahan.
The Germans have lost one of their stars Dirk Nowitzski (of the Dallas Mavericks) and though currently ranked third in the world, they shouldn't come as totally insurmountable opposition for the Irish.
The Irish then take to the road for games against Croatia on Saturday and Macedonia the following Wednesday. Qualification for the Sweden finals next September remains the target.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/d165b880-c7ad-4f7e-a181-ca58ab2e1f35.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)