Alberto Díaz excited after Spain’s final: It’s a dream to live it
Spain earned a place in the EuroBasket final, extending its legacy with a tenth shot at reclaiming the continental crown. At the tournament’s outset, questions loomed about a roster in transition and several notable omissions. Yet under the steady hand of coach Sergio Scariolo, the squad defied expectations, delivering a performance that challenged naysayers and drew attention to the depth behind Spain’s program. The win in Berlin, a 91-96 victory over the host nation, sharpened the narrative and set up a clash with France for a championship that would mark the country’s fourth EuroBasket title.
In the semi finals, Lorenzo Brown produced a standout 29 points and 6 assists, a performance now tied to Spain’s secure path to the final. However, the triumph felt communal rather than the work of a single star. Willy Hernangómez led the way with 16 points, Juancho Hernangómez added 13, and Alberto Díaz contributed 10 while delivering relentless defense. Díaz’s impact on the defensive end stood out as a turning point, helping to tilt the balance in a tightly contested game and underscoring a team-oriented approach that defined Spain’s run. This collective mindset echoed across the roster as seven players contributed during the semi final, illustrating a squad built on depth rather than dependence on one marquee performer. The game relied on precise ball movement, disciplined defense, and unwavering focus, stifling the German attack led by Dennis Schroder and tested inside presence from Daniel Theis.
The audience’s atmosphere amplified the drama as the action unfolded. An emphatic sequence—labeled BringTheNoise by the crowd—captured the moment when Spain asserted its resolve and grabbed momentum late in the second half. Schroder, known for his high-tempo game and offseason NBA experience, and Theis carried the German effort at stretches, but the Spaniards responded with composure, long possessions, and timely rotations that kept their pace high and controlled the tempo. The defense remained stubborn, the offense efficient, and the momentum swung multiple times, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats as halftime approached with a narrow margin between the teams.
Spain’s start set the tone: the squad opened with a fast burst, scoring 24 points before the end of the first period and maintaining pressure with a 27-27 hurtful transition into the second. Hernangómez gave leadership, supported by López-Arostegui, Brizuela, and Brown, while Scariolo managed rotations to preserve energy without sacrificing pace. Aligned with this plan, Garuba anchored the paint and Rudy Fernández spaced the floor, laying the groundwork for a rhythm that would define the match. The German bench responded with adjustments from coach Gordon Herbert, but the Spaniards remained poised and disciplined, unfazed by the host nation’s momentum shifts.
In the later stages, Schroder and Theis continued to carry the load for Germany, each finding moments of success against a defense that refused to crack. Yet Spain’s resilience shone through as Diaz and Brown reclaimed control, trading baskets in critical possessions and preventing a run that could have flipped the game. The attendance roared as Spain regained a modest advantage, and a late push by Schroder could not erase the deficit as the clock dwindled. The match retained its roller-coaster feel, with both teams trading bursts and the pressure mounting in the final minutes.
The decisive phase saw Garuba’s energy driving a renewed surge as Spain reclaimed momentum and turned the tide toward a favorable finish. The crowd’s roar echoed a call for resilience, a reminder of the collective strength housed within this Spanish team. As the clock wound down, Germany fought to hold together, but Spain’s defense buckled down when it mattered, sealing a 96-91 result that sent the team toward the gold-medal match.
Germany 91 – Spain 96, a snapshot of the night’s drama. For Germany, Schroeder finished with 30 points, Obst 15, Wagner 15, Theis 10, while Germany’s other contributors provided depth on the boards and in transition. Spain countered with a balanced output: Brown 29, Hernangómez 16, López-Arostegui 7, Pradilla 4, Brizuela 5, Alberto Díaz 10, Rudy Fernández 6, Garuba 4, Juancho Hernangómez 13, Sebas Saiz 2. The team’s collective effort, reflected in 33 rebounds and 20 assists, showcased a Spanish program thriving on shared responsibility and sustained, cohesive execution.
Final chá: The semifinal performance signaled more than just a win; it confirmed Spain’s identity in a tournament that demanded versatility, courage, and teamwork. It also set up an eagerly anticipated final against France, a clash that carried the weight of history and expectation. The broader takeaway centered on Spain’s depth and the willingness of players to contribute across assignments and roles, a feature that has become a hallmark of the modern Spanish program and a reason for continued confidence in the country’s basketball future. (Source: EuroBasket 2022 coverage and official tournament records)