(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-09-13 05:35

MADRID, Sept 12 - Dirk Nowitzki's dream of playing at the Beijing Olympics next year is still alive after Germany beat Italy to qualify for the European Championship quarter-finals, the player said on Wednesday.

The 2005 silver medallists had been on the verge of elimination from Group F following defeats by France and Slovenia but beat Italy 67-58, setting up a last eight meeting with favourites and hosts Spain.

The Dallas Mavericks forward has made no secret of his desire to play at an Olympics and there are two automatic qualification spots available at the tournament. Spain have already made it as world champions.

"I missed Sydney 2000 by a couple of points and Athens in 2004 so I would love to go but there is still a long way to go yet," the 29-year-old said after the game.

"This is a small step. Spain are favourites but it should be a fun match for us."

Germany recovered from the humiliating 77-47 defeat by Slovenia two days ago with improved contributions from the rest of Germany's squad.

They have suffered from an over-reliance on Nowitzki, the first European to be voted MVP of the NBA regular season last year but against Italy the bench were key to the victory.

Nowitzki scored 15 points and took 10 rebounds but Jan Jagla weighed in with 10 rebounds, Johannes Herber 15 points and Steffen Hamann 10.

"It wasn't pretty but it was a great team effort. All the young boys came in for us and gave us a lot of energy and a lift off the bench. We were really fighting," Nowitzki added.

"Slovenia was a frustrating game but we knew there was one game left and we had to give it our best shot. We had to put that result behind us as quick as possible."

Germany play Spain on Thursday.