Latin superpowers set up semi-final showdown
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-08-30 08:49
SAITAMA, Japan, Aug 29 - Spain and Argentina stormed to impressive
quarter-final wins at the world basketball championships on Tuesday, setting up
a fiery final four showdown between two Latin superpowers.
Two unbeaten teams led by NBA all-stars, little has separated Spain and
Argentina at these championships.
While Olympic champions Argentina have a treasure chest bursting with gold
and silver medals, Spain has never set foot on the world championship podium and
can point to a silver medal at the boycott-ravaged 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games
as their only international success.
"Both teams are two of the best teams in the world," Argentine coach Sergio
Hernandez told reporters. "Both similar teams with smart players.
"It will be a great, great game."
The two teams meet on Friday for a place in the semi-finals and Spain have
recent history on their side having beaten the Olympic champions twice in quick
succession in the buildup to the championships.
"The record is not a good thing for us," said Argentine centre Fabricio
Oberto. "To lose twice to Spain before the tournament is not good. We have got
to be better.
"It is going to be very tough, they are a very good team."
Both teams underlined their medal credentials with quarter-final blowouts.
Spain, led by 25 points from Memphis Grizzlies Pau Gasol crushed Lithuania 89-67
and Argentina, with a 21 point contribution from Chicago Bulls Andres Nocioni,
thumped Turkey 83-58.
"What matters is, Spain is going to the semi-finals," said Spanish guard Jose
Calderon. "This is big weight off our shoulders."
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