Envoys cheer FIBA World Cup teams, hail Gilas Pilipinas for win over China
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Foreign ambassadors in the Philippines rallied behind their respective teams and congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for its win over China in the ongoing FIBA Basketball World Cup games being hosted by the country.
Filipino crowd erupts in cheers and applause after Gilas Pilipinas defeated China with a 96-75 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023. (Poch Eulalia/MANILA BULLETIN)
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke congratulated Germany for its recent win over Slovenia (100-71) in their final second-round match.
“Congratulations to Germany's Team. Happy to see #TeamGermany in Manila this week!,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Germany will face Latvia in the quarterfinals round on Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko also cheered for Akatsuki Japan for its win over Cape Verde that secured a qualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“A phenomenal end to the 1st Group Rounds of #FIBAWC2023! Well done, #GilasPilipinas and #AkatsukiJapan, on your inspiring victories. #BasketballFever,” he wrote.
United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson also congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for its win against old rival China.
Despite losing the chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics after Japan’s win, Gilas routed China with a 21-point victory during Saturday’s game.
“A great way to end their #FIBAWC campaign! Congratulations to the Gilas Pilipinas team!,” Carlson said.
Last Aug. 26, she also welcomed Team USA’s first game against New Zealand, and thanked the Filipino basketball fans for their cheers.
“A packed arena for Team USA's first #FIBAWC game in Manila! Love the fans' energy. Ready for some great basketball between the (USA) and (New Zealand). #WinForAll @FIBAWC,” she wrote.
The quarterfinals round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup would be Italy vs. USA, Germany vs. Latvia, Lithuania vs. Serbia, and Canada vs. Slovenia.