It’s hard to find a story like this Svetislav Pesic in the world of sports. They will meet in the final this Sunday. basketball world cup selectively Serbianface to face Germany, A matchup that no one even dared to dream of before the championship started (14:40, TVE). The Serbian coach already had this experience when managing the absentees at Indianapolis 2002. Stojakovic, Divac or Bodiroga Yugoslavia against the title Argentina. Twenty-three years separate one date from the next. A whole career.
Pesic is one of the biggest names on the European basketball benches and he will experience the final in this match. Manila Mall Sports ArenaThe facility, with a capacity of more than 16,000 seats, will further increase its legend. “It’s a different situation and a different championship. But let’s see how it ends. Nobody thought we could get there right now, but here we are, ready for another fight,” explains the coach.
“Pesic is a great friend, one of the best of all time,” he praises Gordi Herbert, The Canadian coach with a Finnish passport is also on the verge of writing a one-page article. Germany, Leaving his young and talented team, he reached a World Cup final for the first time and fought for the championship. United States of America gathered Steve Kerr. “It was nice to beat the USA but this is a very special generation of players. They want the gold and we have one more game left,” adds Herbert passionately.
“A disappointment”
There was a general consensus that it would happen. USA and Canada who will meet this Sunday in the fight for the world crown. But they’ll have to do it for the bronze medal (10:30 a.m.), which is small consolation for two teams full of NBA names. In its place, Serbia and Germany They qualified to take over from Spain, the last champion of 2019. They became the two strongest and most attractive teams to watch.
“I don’t want anyone to sugarcoat this, United States of America It was a disappointment. You should take off your hat Germany and Serbia. They played really good matches. But it’s good for the sport. “FIBA is for basketball and the fans, so everyone knows the rest of the world is here to play,” he said. Carmelo Anthony, We value the level of excellence shown by the finalists and also the impact of the American team’s defeat in the semi-finals.
Serbian He reached this final by breaking all predictions. After last year’s Eurobasket debacle (they lost in the last 16 against Italy), no one had much confidence in the Balkan team after the absence of two key pieces. Nikola JokicNBA MVP and champion and Vasilije MicicHe was signed by Oklahoma this summer and was seriously injured. Borisa Simanic, Casademont Zaragoza player who was evacuated after receiving a blow in the South Sudan match and lost a kidney. Nor did they destroy Canada by Jordi Fernández in the semi-finals. But his leadership Bogdan Bogdanovic (Atlanta Hawks), strength Nikola Milutinov (Olympiacos) and collective work are back Serbian To the beginning.
We can say the same thing about elections. GermanyLost to the leadership that did not give up a single victory in the championship Dennis Schroder The versatility of the former Lakers point guard and Raptors newcomer Franz and Mo Wagner, The power of Orlando Magic and Daniel TheisFrom the Pacers.
giant step
“Germany’s progress in this World Cup has been massive, especially in terms of playing like this and collecting 113 points to surpass the USA,” the Argentinian legend said. Luis Scola. “And Serbia is one of those teams that always comes back, produces new players and continues to emerge. “I really want to enjoy this final.”
Some voices are already talking about the end of American hegemony in basketball. The same situation occurred in the last two championships. But it is also true that United States of America He has won gold medals in the last seven Olympic Games. Barcelona-92and this is the competition they value most.
“I would love to send the best every year to compete at the highest level. But we need to respect what’s happening here. “They are also professionals,” he reflected. Anthony. ”But I want to be clear: As Americans, we don’t think we can’t lose. Fear of losing is what drives us, makes us want to win, and feels terrible after defeat. But the sport has become global, it is growing internationally and everyone has a chance to compete for victory.”