Βy Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Welcome to the most crucial day of the group phase in the FIBA World Cup. After the results of today, the couples of the second phase will be decided and the situation is anything but simple as you can read in our post about the qualification chances. So get ready for big games, as everything counts.
The schedule (local times)
Group D: Australia – Angola (12.30)
Group B: Senegal – Philippines (14.00)
Group C: Finland – New Zealand (15.00)
Group A: Brazil – Egypt (15.30)
Group D: Korea – Mexico (16.30)
Group C: Ukraine – USA (17.30)
Group A: Iran – France (18.00)
Group B: Croatia – Puerto Rico (18.00)
Group D: Lithuania – Slovenia (20.30)
Group C: Turkey – Dominican Republic (21.30)
Group A: Serbia – Spain (22.00)
Group B: Argentina – Greece (22.00)
The must sees
In such a day there’s interest in every game, since they will effect the final group standings. However Croatia vs Puerto Rico is by far the most crucial contest of the game, since the winner gets to the second round and the loser goes home. Also the games Lithuania – Slovenia, Serbia – Spain and Argentina – Greece not only include international basketball powerhouses, but they will also decide how the teams’ paths will be crossed on the way to the finals.
The individual attractions
The game between Senegal and Philippines includes a great NBA duel as Dieng and Blatche will have to do their best, even if Philippines don’t have any chance to qualify.
The one sided affairs
Korea proved to be the weakest team of the tournament and even against Mexico its fate seams sealed. The same applies for Egypt against Brazil.