The World Cup enters its decisive week with the fight for medals. Eight surviving teams (six Europeans and two Americans) will fight for the vacant throne Spain. After ten days of competition, three names are on the rise in the tournament stock market: Lithuania and GermanyThe only two teams so far undefeated, especially the selection Kazys Maksvytis sensationalized by his victory over the United States (104-110) and at the same time CanadaSpanish-led team Jordi Fernandez has a big star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but it also has all the virtues that competition needs: physical and mental stamina, talent and defensive ability. On the other hand, the USA, which entered the tournament with the big favorite tag, left the door open to some doubts.
Lithuania and SerbiaThe quarter-finals, two of Europe’s great classics, will open this Tuesday (10:45) at one of the most attractive intersections. No one took the Baltic team too seriously, but his marches in the tournament went from little to more, and right now no one would dare to exclude him from a hypothetical podium in the championship. Jonas Valanciunas, center of the season New Orleans Hornets, In addition to dominating the stats (13.6 points and 9.2 rebounds), he was also responsible for leading the court and the Catalan Rokas Jokubaitis, At 22, he exploded as a star in the tournament (12.8 points and 5.6 assists), but above all Lithuania knows how to play at a collective level. “It’s not about the numbers, it’s not about the leaders, it’s about the five players on the field, the chemistry we show,” he explained. valanciunas After the victory over the Americans. Brazdeikis (Zalgiris) and Moetijunas (Monaco) took second place.
During, Serbian With the questioned, he is once again at the door of something bigger. Svetislav Pesic on the bench. Despite his absence, he has a lot of talent Nikola Jokic, NBA MVP, but he doesn’t show it much. His walk in the tournament was very impressive, but he finished the match against Italy, where he won by 16 points in the third quarter. bogdanovic (Hawks), 18.4 points and 5.4 assists; And Milutinov (Olympiacos) is his benchmark with 14 points and 9.6 assists.
“I hate losing”
Italy and the United States They will wrap up the quarter session this Tuesday (14:40). The first defeat in the tournament created great tension in the team. Steve Kerr. “I hate to lose. We have to start the next game like we did in the second half. I hope this will be a lesson and we can improve ourselves from now on,” he said. Warriors. Lack of attitude and overconfidence became the Achilles heel of leadership. Anthony Edwards Author of 35 points against Lithuania and lack of adaptation by Brandon Ingram (5.2 average score) was named as one of the figures. Everyone is smiling and good vibes in Italy Gianmarco Pozzecco A hysterical coach who both scolds and embraces his players. Simone FontecchioThe 27-year-old from the Utah Jazz became the team’s expected leader with 18.4 points and 6.6 rebounds and received the support of experienced players. Melli and Datome.
This Wednesday, there will be another European duel between the two favorite teams of the tournament. Germany and Latvia. The German team, which won the bronze medal in the last Eurobasket, was among the top eight for the first time since 2006. Dennis Schroder New to the Raptors (19.8 points and 6.8 assists), but with his brothers accompanying him Franz and Moritz Wagner (Orlando Magic) and Daniel Theis (Pacers). It was the big reveal of Latvia, one of the goalscorers of the Spanish team. deprived of its great star, Kristaps Porzingis Following the tournament from the stands, the Baltic team grew through the collective, thanks to the big role played by ex-Barcelona Roland Smits from Verdinegr.or Arthurs Zagars and Thunder player, Davis Bertans.
Duel between Slovenes luka doncic and Canada Shai Gilgeous-Alexander A spectacular transition that will close the quarterfinals, heralding the all-star battle between the two players called up to fight for the tournament’s MVP title. Doncic is advancing with superstar points (26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.8 rebounds). assists), well supported by the old azulgrana Mike Tobey (12 points) for a luxury secondary and exvalencianista Klemen Prepelic (14.8 points) is claimed in the tournament. The team, which stabbed Spain with a dramatic end in Canada, put an end to the event in the last seconds. Dillon Brooks, Olynyk and RJ Barrett they supported star Gilgeous-Alexander perfectly.