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SportsNeemias Queta confirms he will play for Portugal in World Cup qualifiers
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Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta confirmed on Sunday that he will represent the Portuguese national basketball team in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifying games, after missing the previous international window due to contract renegotiation with the NBA team. Queta made the announcement during his appearance at the Estoril Open tennis tournament, where he was invited to toss the coin for the doubles final. He will join the Portuguese team for the start of the second qualifying phase, with games against Spain in Zaragoza on August 28 and against Georgia in Matosinhos three days later. Queta expressed confidence in the team's chances, stating that each game is a fresh opportunity and that Portugal can surprise favored Spain. He emphasized the goal of reaching the World Cup and being competitive.
Source report
Neemias Queta confirmed this Sunday that he will represent the Portuguese national basketball team in the upcoming World Cup qualifying games, after missing the last international window.
"That is indeed the plan, to go to the games, help the team as much as possible, be competitive and reach the World Cup, that is the main goal," said the Boston Celtics center during his appearance at the Estoril Open tennis tournament.
Upcoming Fixtures
After missing the last two matches while renegotiating his contract with the NBA team, Queta will now join the 'lynxes' at the start of the second qualifying phase, with:
- August 28 – Game in Spain (Zaragoza)
- August 31 – Game against Georgia in Matosinhos
"What matters now is the national team games, reaching the point where we will be on August 28 in Spain, in Zaragoza. We want to be at our best level, and I think it will be a very difficult challenge, but we go with our arms together and we are always ready for it," he assured.
On Facing Spain
For Neemias, "each game is a game, each day is a day, and it doesn't matter what name you have or who you are," so it is possible to surprise the favored Spain.
"We have to look at each other, and from there it's game on, ball in the air, and the goal is to score more points than them and they score fewer than us. From there, we're in a game, each game is a game, and I think we have as many chances as they do," he guaranteed.
Coin Toss Honor at Estoril Open
Neemias Queta was invited by the organization to toss the coin for the doubles final between Brazilians Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos and Frenchmen Titouan Droguet and Kyrian Jacquet.
"It's a great honor for me. I think it's a special moment for me as well, at the same time. Tennis is a sport I've followed since childhood, and I think it's a phenomenal experience for me to be here at this moment," he said, considering tennis a sport where "you have to be much more mentally prepared for all kinds of adversities."
Source
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Neemias Queta to Play for Portugal in World Cup Qualifiers