Puerto Rico is in Group A along with Belgium, Russia and the United States.
By Yamaira Muniz
The women’s national basketball team will have to make two stops to seek qualification for the World Cup in Australia. The first will be in Washington, DC and the other in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) had to make some changes for the Preworld tournament, which will take place on February 10, specifically in Group A, where Puerto Rico plays together with Russia, the United States and Belgium.
Due to the health restrictions imposed in the United States and the type of vaccination required, the Russian team will not be able to travel to the United States for the World Cup qualifying tournament in Australia.
The United States government does not recognize the so-called Sputnik vaccine, administered by Russia to its citizens to combat covid-19.
Therefore, FIBA made the determination that the following matches will be played in Washington, DC: Puerto Rico vs. Belgium (February 10), Belgium vs. United States (11) and United States vs. Puerto Rico (the 12th).
The following matches will be played in Santo Domingo: Russia vs. Belgium (13) and Puerto Rico vs. Russia (the 14th).
The game between the United States and Russia will not be played. The Americans are already qualified for the World Cup for being the Olympic champions.
The top two teams in that group will qualify for the World Cup along with the United States.
The other three groups will maintain the existing format, according to FIBA.
Puerto Rico will seek to strike out its ticket to a Women’s Basketball World Cup for the second time.
The Women’s World Cup will take place from September 22 to October 1 this year in the Australian city of Sydney.
Via: elvocero.com
