Gasol Reflects on World Cup Run, USA Setbacks, and Spain’s Path Forward

Gasol Adds Perspective on the World Cup Run and the Spanish Team

The global ambassador of basketball for the World Cup, Pau Gasol of Barcelona, born in 1980, traveled to the Philippines along with two other legendary players. They were there to witness the final rounds of the tournament, with the championship game between Serbia and Germany scheduled for Sunday at 14:40 and the bronze medal match between the United States and Canada slated for 10:45. In a candid interview, Gasol shared his views on the final, reflected on the USA’s setback, and discussed the role of the Spanish team.

Was it expected that the USA would be eliminated in the semifinals?

Gasol answered that the outcome did not come as a surprise to someone who knows the sport well. The United States remains exceptionally talented, capable of matching or surpassing any opponent. Yet Serbia and Germany earned their way to the final, and Gasol praised their performances. He emphasized that the final has the potential to be a memorable clash, and he urged fans to enjoy it.

You know American basketball very well. How will they handle this difficult loss as they aimed to reclaim the title in Manila?

For Gasol, the defeat is a hard hit but not unfamiliar. He recalled that the U.S. has faced similar fates in the past, noting downturns in 2002 and 2006 followed by titles in 2010 and 2014, with a similar pattern in 2019. He highlighted that a team with immense talent places the World Cup on the same high level as the Olympic Games. The key, he suggested, is to acknowledge the setback, learn from it, and move forward, understanding that excellence in sport hinges on being at peak form in every game.

Spain could have reached the quarterfinals or even the semifinals. The Latvia match proved pivotal, forcing a do-or-die battle with Canada.

Which strengths set the two finalists, Serbia and Germany, apart on their path to the final?

Gasol stressed the importance of unity and consistent teamwork. He drew a parallel to the recent World Cup where long-time teammates from Spain and Argentina formed the backbone of their campaigns. The belief in each other and the drive to win from the opening minutes were identified as the core factors that carried both squads to the final victory arc.

A busy but wonderful day comes to a close. The audience watched a thrilling set of semifinals in Manila, and Gasol congratulated Serbia and Germany for reaching the final stage. This is a sentiment he shared sincerely through social media after the game.

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 8, 2023

Serbia returns to the final after nine years, guided by a coach who played a pivotal role in their 2002 Indianapolis triumph. Pesic’s journey across more than two decades stands as one of the championship’s most inspiring stories. Gasol, who has personal ties to the coach, noted that leadership in a team can uplift everyone, especially when a squad navigates absences of key players. The emphasis remains on the group over any individual.

How did Gasol assess Spain’s exit from the World Cup?

He called it a disappointment, believing that Spain could have advanced further. Latvia’s victory over other contenders underscored just how dangerous the team could be. The loss left Spain in a position where a late result against Canada determined the fate of their campaign. He pointed to Canada as a team with strong players, highlighting Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for their decisive performances that sealed Canada’s win.

Mabuhay Philippines. — Gasol shared a celebratory post on social media, marking the moment with a memorable photo.

— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 7, 2023

Perhaps the outcomes of the most recent World Cup and Eurobasket events have created a reality beyond expectations.

Gasol reflected on the balance between world titles and maintaining peak form in demanding competitions. He recalled Spain’s World Cup win in 2019 and the European crown in 2022 as milestone achievements that were perhaps harder to foresee in advance. He acknowledged that maintaining such a high level is challenging but emphasized that competitive effort opens doors to victory. Spain faced tough moments, as did the World Cup held on home soil in 2014. Yet setbacks are part of every team’s journey. Gasol expressed confidence in the current squad, appreciating emerging players who are stepping up and believing the team can return stronger in the next year. He added that critics in France would encourage resilience, and the path forward is to learn, self-critique, and come back even better. In his view, defeats deepen the appreciation for triumphs.