Dutch headed for basketball European Championship

The Dutch basketball team has qualified for the European Championship for the first time since 1989 by winning their last qualifying game with 68-55 against Montenegro in Leiden. Oranje ended with four four victories and two defeats. The Dutch team knew from the start that they had to win against Montenegro, but their qualification into the European Championship also depended on the results in other fields. Through the victory of Latvia against Romania, Hungary's win against the Czech Republic, and the victory for Sweden against Slovakia, the Dutch team at least had a chance. The key to Netherlands' success in their last game ten days ago, was once again a strong physical defense. The European Championship is set to be hosted by the Ukraine next year, but due to the political situation in that country, it is uncertain whether or not the tournament will actually be played there.