New ‘golden boys’ win World Cup for Spain

At the front appeared a physical and athletic France, which had just won the United States with a dominant Zacharie Perrin. Dani Miret’s Spain showed tremendous offensive potential with a very dynamic and choral group that stood out as the trios of Jordi Rodríguez, the dominance of Almansa, the magnificence of Lucas Langarica or the intensity of Sediq Garuba and Isaac Nogués. Spain started the first quarter uncomfortably demanded by the French defense. The game did not flow and the Spanish shooters had doubts, with the 2 in 6 free throw teams weighing in to leave the first quarter tight (19-18). Only three Spaniards had scored. bad symptom

Ajinça’s threes and Sarr’s blocks shone in a very intense France. Spain was still annoyed that they didn’t play what they wanted. The second quarter started with a 2-7 streak that showed the Spanish jamming, which gave only three assists in the first half. Unable to find Almansa, the Mirettes were having their worst moments in the World Cup. Faced with this lack of fluency, the coach wanted defense and team play. The bleeding continued in 7 free throws out of 16. In the painted area, the French physique won 16 with 25 rebounds. Despite all the negativities, Spain left only one behind at halftime (28-29).

The second part started similarly. Spain was not recognizable neither on clear shots, nor on rebounds and fast passes. Perrin had 17 sacks and the entire Spanish team had 18 sacks. France reached 34-39 when Miret asked his men to “play our game” and requested a time-out. The trios did not enter with eight consecutive failures after the first three were scored. But his defense saved a Spain with 14 stolen cannons, who failed to succeed but had the attitude. Our team, on the other hand, despite getting 36 rebounds against 19, finished fourth only two behind (41-43) thanks to its defensive intensity.

Father Miller to the rescue

Penya’s striker Jordi Rodríguez’s three-pointer was answered by another Fischer. Then the French added two plus one from Perrin and Spain continued to seek shots without impossible interceptions or convictions. France extended the score to 5.50 (46-53). But three arreons from Miller, Almansa and Villar cut the disadvantage down to one point. The game was abruptly progressing, never flowing.

Fatigue prevailed and all defenses focused on the ball. A trio from Bouzidi and a trio from Sarr did a lot of damage to Spain, who found more offensive fluidity with Baba Miller scoring a basic three-pointer. Ajinça ​​countered with another three and Miller cut with another basket. The French entered at the last minute (61-63), unsuccessfully, and Perrin made his fifth personal. And in the next game, Jordi Rodríguez equalized with Sergi Llull. The game was played 18 seconds ahead of the French attack and in a drawn defense. Penda was unsuccessful in his entry but the ball was a second and a half and the winner took possession. Izán stole the ball and overtime…

Spain came into overtime with fewer fouls than France. And the 18th on the defensive began with Isaac Nogués’ sixth heist. Rafa Villar rounded it up by nailing another ‘tangerine’ nine feet away. Ajinca countered with three free throws, and Miller committed his fifth foul on the way to the bench. On offense Rafa Villar threw the team behind him and was brave in defense. With 26 seconds left in the game, the score was 73-69 with two free throws from the goal. France got on the nerves with a desperate three-pointer and the game closed with a Spanish victory. If the 99ers went down in history as the ‘Golden Teens’, these guys will go down as the ‘Golden Boys’ too.