World Cup fight enters decisive phase
From this Friday, the serious part will begin. A true test for the selection stands before it. The quarterfinal clash looms. It appears Spain and its rivalries are ready to push with minimal risk, aiming for a clean slate of victories. The squad played with measured intensity, showing the necessary strength in the final stretch. No excess was needed to signal their focus.
It was the game where Rudy Fernandez equaled the mark of 253 international appearances held by Juan Carlos Navarro. In theory, that line would have added another chapter to his record. The moment was noted in training, yet he sat on the bench, as the coach preferred not to risk key players before the two decisive matches of the second phase. Those games open the door to the quarterfinals and the medal path.
Juancho Hernangómez answered with 21 points and five rebounds in twenty minutes, while Deception contributed 11 points and eight boards, keeping the team alive during stretches when the coach allowed his players to push the limits. The younger Hernangómez needed such a performance to feel like a leading man. He started shy, but his contribution grew, and confidence brought out his best. He is a player who changes the game when he believes in himself.
Santi Deception also appeared set to play a pivotal role. Every action on the court carried weight, making his brief, quiet arrival a sign that bigger moments could follow. This was his first major international appearance, understated at first glance, yet destined to leave a mark as he gains trust and minutes on the floor.
The first room to forget
The team opened with low energy, allowing Iran to test them. Each moment—a three-pointer or a second-chance opportunity—kept the alarm bells ringing. After a few minutes, the coach decided the starting five needed a fresh rhythm, removing the veteran lineup to recalibrate the flow of play.
Garuba anchored the defense with solid presence, while Deception sparked the offense. After seven minutes, the team rattled off twelve straight points, flipping the tide and seizing control at 17-23. A new sense of purpose emerged on the floor as the squad found its footing.
From that moment, Diaz and Llull helped Spain stretch the tempo and add more activity, pushing forward without losing balance. Juancho Hernangómez seized the moment, and the halftime tally favored Spain 34-43. Iran tried to stay in contact, but the tempo and energy favored the Spanish rhythm as the match progressed.
In parallel with the early games, Nunez helped set the tone for the approach. Garuba, Deception, and Willy Hernangómez upped consistency, while Juancho found moments of sharp quality to steer the climb toward victory. With the right mindset, Spain entered the decisive phase prepared for what lay ahead.
Iranian: Yakhchali (12), Gorgorian (6), Kazemi (2), Amini (19), Aliakbari (2) – top five – Miri (5), Ehaddadi (7), Mirzaei (3), Rezaeifar (3), Vahedi (4), Aghajanpour (0), Mashayekhi (2)
6 out of 23 triples (Amen, 3), 31 rebounds, 11 turnovers (Ahaddadi, 5), 19 assists (Yahcali, 7)
Spain: Núñez (5), Abrines (6), Parra (3), J. Hernangómez (21), W. Hernangómez (16) – in the top five – Aldama (11), Brizuela (3), Claver (5), Díaz (4), Garuba (6), Llull (5).
9 out of 26 triples (Abrines, Juancho, 2), 43 rebounds, 13 turnovers (Will, 9), 32 assists (Nunez, 6)
Partial: 17-16; 17-27; 18-21; 13-21
[Cited: FIBA World Cup match reports and player statistics for the referenced game]