Idman.biz
The Azerbaijani women's 3x3 basketball team achieved a historic result by winning a silver medal at the European Championship held in Copenhagen.
Although our team lost to the Netherlands national team with a score of 16:21 in the final, they demonstrated a brilliant game by defeating a number of titled rivals during the tournament. Erika Karter, a basketball player of our national team who was included in the symbolic team of the stage, shared her impressions of the competition with İdman.biz.
- How does it feel to be the vice-champion of Europe, what feelings are you experiencing?
- In every competition, we try to show ourselves in the best way and demonstrate good, quality basketball. We were well prepared and it is very nice to reach the final and win a medal. This is a great result, it inspires. And we will move forward step by step to win the European champion title one day.
- In Copenhagen, the team defeated the previous two European champions - France and Spain. Undoubtedly, these results gave you even more self-confidence.
- We played against very good teams. We went to the court with the desire to defeat each of them. We started the competition with a match against France, and the opening game is always especially exciting, you need to feel the rhythm of the competition. Until the semi-final with Spain, we were at the game speed. But no matter who our opponent is, we go to the match to win. At the same time, we respect our opponents, it cannot be otherwise.
- You were included in the symbolic team of the championship. How do you rate your game?
- Basketball is a team game. Yes, individual indicators are important, but the main thing is the result of the team. Everyone in the team is a leader on the field. For example, Brianna Fraser scored 41 points and became the second top scorer of the tournament. Thus, everyone on the field made a great contribution to this success - both Alexandra Mollenhauer and Dina Ulyanova. We are a team together. Therefore, it is nice to be included in the symbolic team, but collective achievement is more important.
- This year, the team won two stages of the World Series, and there will be a final stage soon. Considering the silver of the European Championship, we can emphasize the stability of the team this season. What is your opinion?
- In my opinion, we are playing well. And the results show that the team is really prepared in the most serious way. I have a lot of faith in the team, in the girls. And no matter where we play, we fight to the end. Everything takes time and we try to move forward step by step and set high goals for ourselves.
- In just five days you will play in the final tournament of the World Series. What do you expect from your trip to Shanghai?
- No matter who our opponent is, I always believe in the strength of our team. Difficult and interesting meetings with strong opponents await us. After our success at the European Championship, we will go to China with even greater enthusiasm.
Zaki Feyzullayev
İdman.biz
