By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
On Saturday four teams said goodbye to the FIBA World Cup and today four more will do the same, while four others will get a spot to the quarterfinals. And this time there’s not clear favorites, like in the cases of Team USA and Spain. So everything goes and Eurohoops explain you why.
Barcelona: New Zealand – Lithuania (16.00)
In theory this is the most one sided game of the day, as Lithuania on paper is much stronger than the “Tall Blacks”. However the absence of Mantas Kalnietis created many issues for the team of coach Kazlauskas, specially in offense, which can be exploited. The question is if New Zealand is up to the task. There’s fighting spirit in both sides, but the front line of Valanciunas, Motiejunas and Lavrinovic brothers gives to the Europeans an important advantage.
Madrid: Serbia – Greece (18.00)
Unbeaten Greece should prevail, but those two Balkan nations know each other really well and have a long history of big games (and an infamous brawl in a “friendly” tournament as you can see). There are no secrets between them and the only thing that gives to Greece an edge is the performance of coach Katsikaris’ team so far in this tournament. Before the World Cup, Greece has beaten Serbia in a preparation game, but Teodosic and Krstic were absent.
Barcelona: Turkey – Australia (20.00)
One more hard to call game. Turkey finished second behind Team USA in Group C, but it still is a really inconsistent team, capable of the best and the worst at the same game, depending the period. On the other hand Australia almost decided to finish third in order to have more chances to get to the medal round – by not crossing paths with Team USA until the semifinal – and the Boomers are clearly not intimidated by the 2010 Mundobasket silver medalists. Talent-wise, Australia seems to be the better team.
Madrid: Brazil – Argentina (22.00)
One more classic rivalry! Brazil has a full team and a loaded front line that gives them the advantage. However it will be a mistake to underestimate the heart of Argentina, as the old guard of Scola, Nocioni and Prigioni will not yield to anyone. Still, the Brazilians have one more strong card in their hands, coach Ruben Magnano on their bench. He is the Argentinian who shaped the national team of “golden generation”, which is still the core of today’s squad.