Spain, which survived in an epic battle with two overtime periods against Australia (95-88), and Argentina, far superior to France (80-66), qualified for the final of the Basketball World Cup, in Beijing, and will play on Sunday for title.
With NBA legends such as Kobe Bryant, Chris Bosh and Argentine icon Manu Ginobili in the front row, the Wukesong Sport Center had a spectacular day, especially in their first pass, when Australia and Spain led to 50 minutes of play, with two extensions, his agonizing fight.
Except at the start, Australia was ahead during practically the entire match, but Spain adjusted its defense in the final stretch and took advantage of Marc Gasol’s offensive awakening (33 points, 29 in the second half) to win the duel. He will play for his second world title after the one achieved in Japan-2006.
Undefeated in China-2019, like Argentina, Spain lived an afternoon of total suffering, surviving its poor success in the first part to finally offer a lesson in experience, courage and cold blood.
– ‘Sum of heart and brain’ –
“Winning and doing it like this, after playing against a super team that has competed for 50 minutes, makes you very happy. But once again, the sum of heart and brain that this team has had has been superior, “said Spanish coach Sergio Scariolo.
“One hell of a game, it was fun to be part of it. It’s hard to lose, without a doubt, it was decided in a couple of plays here and there, “added Australian coach Andrej Lemanis.
In addition to his offensive awakening, the little Gasol did not lose his pulse in the decisive moments. In the absence of 8 seconds he scored two free throws that put Spain one point ahead (71-70).
Patty Mills, the Australian star, who went to 34 points, then had two free games to win. But one missed and the first extension came, after Ricky Rubio brushed the feat with a triple from the center of the field that was about to enter.
In overtime Spain played fluently and was cooler than Australia. Once again, Mills and Gasol met at the free zone to define the semifinal. None failed and the game was extended again for five minutes.
Then Spain showed more hunger and better physical condition before a melted Australia, which finally threw in the towel.
“We came back, we stayed together in difficult times, that means a lot. It was great, I knew that the World Cup would not be easy physically (after winning the NBA with the Toronto Raptors), but it was worth it, “said Marc Gasol.
– ‘Bring a little happiness’ –
Argentina then swept France away with a spectacular performance from their 39-year-old captain Luis Scola, scoring 28 points, also getting 13 rebounds, earning a long hug from his partner in a thousand Ginobili battles.
The South American giant secures silver, which it already achieved in Indianapolis-2002, a prelude to the historic gold at the 2004 Athens Games. It is one step away from equaling its world title in 1950, when it imposed itself as host in the inaugural edition of the tournament. .
The Argentine team, masterfully led by Facundo Campazzo, broke the match in the third quarter, taking the game to an unattainable level for France, which had already been in tow in the first half.
«Super happy for us and for everything. To be able to bring a little happiness today is brilliant, “said coach Sergio Hernández, referring to the economic situation in Argentina.
After touching the sky by defeating the United States in the quarterfinals, the European team had a tough return to reality. Evan Fournier, his best offensive argument, had a bad day, making just one of his six 3-point attempts for a total of 16 points.
On the last day of the World Cup, on Sunday in Beijing, France will play for bronze with Australia, prelude to the great final Argentina-Spain. AFP