Japan will be the host for the most important basketball event on the globe. It's the first time that the country of the rising sun is hosting a championship of this magnitude.
From 2006, the number of participating teams will be increased to 24 from 16. (The host nation, the 2004 Olympics Champion, and nations/regions that won the preliminary matches of FIBA Africa, FIBA Americas, FIBA Asia, FIBA Europe and FIBA Oceania zones will be qualified for the Championship and four wild cards).
This decision was made to address the internationally enhanced level of basketball and the circumstances that basketball is the most popular indoor team sport in the world. The FIBA World Championship will surely take on a growing importance and become the world's most attractive sporting event.
Most countries have qualified through the 5 continental championships in summer 2005, but 4 countries had received a wild card from FIBA.
For one team, there will be a special task: after the disappointing sixth place in Indianapolis, and a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, the USA will try everything the regain the position as the dominating basketball power over the past 5 decades. But it needs their best to fulfill that mission
.
FIBA World Championship - One World - One Title: Event Outline
The FIBA World Championship is played every 4 years and determines the best basketball nation of the world. The first FIBA World Championship was played in 1950 in Argentina and has since then been organised 14 times.
The 2006 edition will be played in Japan from 19th August until 3rd September in five different cities.
The following 24 teams will compete in the event:
Angola
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
China
France
Germany
Greece
Italy
Japan
Lebanon
Lithuania
New Zealand
Nigeria
Panama
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Senegal
Serbia & Montenegro
Slovenia
Spain
Turkey
Venezuela
USA
The teams will play against each other in the preliminary phase in four groups of 6 teams. The 4 top teams from each group will then qualify directly for the Eighth-Finals, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals.
All the games from the Eighth-Finals to the Finals will be played on a one-game elimination basis.
Here is Greece's Schedule
19.08.2006 vs QAT
20.08.2006 vs LTU
22.08.2006 vs AUS
23.08.2006 vs BRA
24.08.2006 vs TUR
GO GREEEECE!!
Source - www.fiba.com
Full Version: FIBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - JAPAN 2006
I just realised I posted this topic in the wrong section lol. Can it be moved to the 'other sports' section please 
Go greece, all the best. is this going to be aired on sbs or anything?
Have you ever seen basketball on TV? NBA doesnt get a run, do you think Euroleague or the World Championships will get a go?
i dont know i dont sit on my ass watching tv all day.
Why do you have such an attitude?
cos i can. n had a shit day. why do you always have to be a smart ass?
I wasn't being a smartass child, anyway, that's the response I expected. Carry on...
I think what Niko wanted to say is that it probably wont be aired on TV. Since it is played in Japan though and the time difference wont be as bad - Japan is 2-3 hours behind us- we can probably listen to it on the radio online from Greece.
i realise what he ment. but you never know what they could decide to play on tv. i always fall asleep when listening to sport on radio. lol. they would play it on the greek channels hey? my neighbour has satelite. wooot.
Fox has the rights to the FIBA world cup, all games shown. Ill move the topic.
should be a good tournament, Yiota do u have any idea who the 4 wildcard entries are?
The four Wild Card Teams (FIBA invited teams) are
1. Italy (FIBA EUROPE zone)
2. Puerto Rico (FIBA AMERICAS zone)
3. Serbia & Montenegro (FIBA EUROPE zone)
4. Turkey (FIBA EUROPE zone)
The four teams invited by FIBA as wild cards were decided at the FIBA Central Board on 26/27 November 2005 in Rome, Italy. FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann is responsible for making the proposal. The FIBA Central Board then made the final decision.
Note: The FIBA Central Board is the general meeting where 20 members and three ex-officio members meet twice yearly. The Board establishes the Internal Regulations and assigns the organization of all world championships.
The Criteria for the Wild Cards
1. In order to be invited the team must have participated in the FIBA Zone
Qualifying Championship.
2. There can be a maximum of three teams from any one FIBA Zone.
Together with the above two criteria, FIBA shall take into consideration the following aspects:
Sporting Aspects
- Popularity of basketball in the country
- Quality and sporting results of the national team of the country
- Quality of work by the National Federation
Economic Aspects
- Involvement of local television and/or competitions in domestic and
international basketball
- Importance of country to FIBA's marketing and television partners
- Importance of country to the Organizers of the World Championship
Source - www.fiba.com
1. Italy (FIBA EUROPE zone)
2. Puerto Rico (FIBA AMERICAS zone)
3. Serbia & Montenegro (FIBA EUROPE zone)
4. Turkey (FIBA EUROPE zone)
The four teams invited by FIBA as wild cards were decided at the FIBA Central Board on 26/27 November 2005 in Rome, Italy. FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann is responsible for making the proposal. The FIBA Central Board then made the final decision.
Note: The FIBA Central Board is the general meeting where 20 members and three ex-officio members meet twice yearly. The Board establishes the Internal Regulations and assigns the organization of all world championships.
The Criteria for the Wild Cards
1. In order to be invited the team must have participated in the FIBA Zone
Qualifying Championship.
2. There can be a maximum of three teams from any one FIBA Zone.
Together with the above two criteria, FIBA shall take into consideration the following aspects:
Sporting Aspects
- Popularity of basketball in the country
- Quality and sporting results of the national team of the country
- Quality of work by the National Federation
Economic Aspects
- Involvement of local television and/or competitions in domestic and
international basketball
- Importance of country to FIBA's marketing and television partners
- Importance of country to the Organizers of the World Championship
Source - www.fiba.com
thanks for the info Yiota
Here are the odds to win outright:
USA 1.36
Argentina 7.00
Spain 7.00
Lithuania 8.00
Greece 15.00
Serbia & Montenegro 17.00
France 21.00
Italy 29.00
Germany 41.00
Turkey 51.00
Slovenia 51.00
Brazil 51.00
Australia 81.00
China 81.00
Puerto Rico 126.00
New Zealand 201.00
Venezuela 201.00
Japan 501.00
Nigeria 501.00
Lebanon 1001.0
Senegal 1001.00
Panama 1001.00
Angola 1501.00
Qatar 2001.00
USA 1.36
Argentina 7.00
Spain 7.00
Lithuania 8.00
Greece 15.00
Serbia & Montenegro 17.00
France 21.00
Italy 29.00
Germany 41.00
Turkey 51.00
Slovenia 51.00
Brazil 51.00
Australia 81.00
China 81.00
Puerto Rico 126.00
New Zealand 201.00
Venezuela 201.00
Japan 501.00
Nigeria 501.00
Lebanon 1001.0
Senegal 1001.00
Panama 1001.00
Angola 1501.00
Qatar 2001.00
If fox has the rights then foxtel should show the games. I'll do some research and post it here.
Long time no GP for me ... but better later than not at all 
I read The Guardian today and it had an article about the demise of the Football national side against the Poms in a satirical manner of course ... another whole topic on its own .... http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1852288,00.html
It ended the article saying that Greece in any case is pre-occupied with the FIBA World Cup and how we are in the "group of death" with Brazil, Lithuania, Australia and Turkey(?) and we are worried and how we should be worried.
I guess I am a bit dissapointed with anglo journalists again totally ignoring the fact that we had just won the pre-world cup tournament beating Germany (again!!!).
Anyway ... I hope Foxtel do televise all the matches and I hope that Ellas can back up on the Euro win with a World Cup title as well.
I read The Guardian today and it had an article about the demise of the Football national side against the Poms in a satirical manner of course ... another whole topic on its own .... http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1852288,00.html
It ended the article saying that Greece in any case is pre-occupied with the FIBA World Cup and how we are in the "group of death" with Brazil, Lithuania, Australia and Turkey(?) and we are worried and how we should be worried.
I guess I am a bit dissapointed with anglo journalists again totally ignoring the fact that we had just won the pre-world cup tournament beating Germany (again!!!).
Anyway ... I hope Foxtel do televise all the matches and I hope that Ellas can back up on the Euro win with a World Cup title as well.
QUOTE(P-gate @ Aug 18 2006, 11:15 PM) [snapback]46185[/snapback]
Long time no GP for me ... but better later than not at all
I read The Guardian today and it had an article about the demise of the Football national side against the Poms in a satirical manner of course ... another whole topic on its own .... http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1852288,00.html
It ended the article saying that Greece in any case is pre-occupied with the FIBA World Cup and how we are in the "group of death" with Brazil, Lithuania, Australia and Turkey(?) and we are worried and how we should be worried.
I guess I am a bit dissapointed with anglo journalists again totally ignoring the fact that we had just won the pre-world cup tournament beating Germany (again!!!).
Anyway ... I hope Foxtel do televise all the matches and I hope that Ellas can back up on the Euro win with a World Cup title as well.
Cant wait for another party with flares going off all night gamoto
The tournament is currently underway. australia is losing 32-28 so far suck shit to them.
Usa is losing 12-7 suck shit!
Greece plays later today!!!!
Usa is losing 12-7 suck shit!
Greece plays later today!!!!
To get the live scores, goto
http://www.fiba2006.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/06_wcm/index.asp
and click on the game being played, all stats comw up too.
http://www.fiba2006.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/06_wcm/index.asp
and click on the game being played, all stats comw up too.
Puetro Rico V US
Puerto Rico vs. USA
14 : 17
1st Quarter: 03:39 minutes to go
Puerto Rico USA
3/7 (43%) 2-POINTERS 6/11 (55%)
1/2 (50%) 3-POINTERS 1/6 (17%)
5/5 (100%) FREE THROWS 2/3 (67%)
3 FOULS 5
0 STEALS 6
6 TURNOVERS 2
2 OFF. REBOUNDS 3
4 DEF. REBOUNDS 3
5 BIGGEST LEAD 5
7 BIGGEST RUN 10
Puerto Rico vs. USA
14 : 17
1st Quarter: 03:39 minutes to go
Puerto Rico USA
3/7 (43%) 2-POINTERS 6/11 (55%)
1/2 (50%) 3-POINTERS 1/6 (17%)
5/5 (100%) FREE THROWS 2/3 (67%)
3 FOULS 5
0 STEALS 6
6 TURNOVERS 2
2 OFF. REBOUNDS 3
4 DEF. REBOUNDS 3
5 BIGGEST LEAD 5
7 BIGGEST RUN 10
Brasil V Aus
38 : 40
2nd Quarter: 00:00 minutes to go
Brazil Australia
9/19 (47%) 2-POINTERS 10/20 (50%)
4/11 (36%) 3-POINTERS 4/13 (31%)
8/14 (57%) FREE THROWS 8/10 (80%)
11 FOULS 10
7 STEALS 6
14 TURNOVERS 11
6 OFF. REBOUNDS 5
15 DEF. REBOUNDS 13
8 BIGGEST LEAD 4
6 BIGGEST RUN 9
38 : 40
2nd Quarter: 00:00 minutes to go
Brazil Australia
9/19 (47%) 2-POINTERS 10/20 (50%)
4/11 (36%) 3-POINTERS 4/13 (31%)
8/14 (57%) FREE THROWS 8/10 (80%)
11 FOULS 10
7 STEALS 6
14 TURNOVERS 11
6 OFF. REBOUNDS 5
15 DEF. REBOUNDS 13
8 BIGGEST LEAD 4
6 BIGGEST RUN 9
Fox Sports have the rights to the games. Not sure if any are being shown live.
One of the Biggest upsets in World basketball
Serbia & Montenegro Nigeria
18/35 (51%) 2-POINTERS 20/51 (39%)
4/15 (27%) 3-POINTERS 8/16 (50%)
18/24 (75%) FREE THROWS 10/17 (59%)
15 FOULS 27
0 STEALS 0
0 TURNOVERS 0
12 OFF. REBOUNDS 12
19 DEF. REBOUNDS 14
3 BIGGEST LEAD 12
5 BIGGEST RUN 11
66 : 74
4th Quarter: 02:33 minutes to go
Serbia & Montenegro Nigeria
18/35 (51%) 2-POINTERS 20/51 (39%)
4/15 (27%) 3-POINTERS 8/16 (50%)
18/24 (75%) FREE THROWS 10/17 (59%)
15 FOULS 27
0 STEALS 0
0 TURNOVERS 0
12 OFF. REBOUNDS 12
19 DEF. REBOUNDS 14
3 BIGGEST LEAD 12
5 BIGGEST RUN 11
66 : 74
4th Quarter: 02:33 minutes to go
Greece vs. Qatar
54 : 43
3rd Quarter: 01:10 minutes to go
Greece Qatar
14/29 (48%) 2-POINTERS 11/18 (61%)
3/14 (21%) 3-POINTERS 6/12 (50%)
17/18 (94%) FREE THROWS 3/4 (75%)
10 FOULS 21
9 STEALS 2
12 TURNOVERS 26
10 OFF. REBOUNDS 5
8 DEF. REBOUNDS 16
14 BIGGEST LEAD 16
13 BIGGEST RUN 7
ALSO TUESDAY NIGHT 9PM, FOX IS SHOING GREECE V AUSTRALIA LIVE !!!!!
54 : 43
3rd Quarter: 01:10 minutes to go
Greece Qatar
14/29 (48%) 2-POINTERS 11/18 (61%)
3/14 (21%) 3-POINTERS 6/12 (50%)
17/18 (94%) FREE THROWS 3/4 (75%)
10 FOULS 21
9 STEALS 2
12 TURNOVERS 26
10 OFF. REBOUNDS 5
8 DEF. REBOUNDS 16
14 BIGGEST LEAD 16
13 BIGGEST RUN 7
ALSO TUESDAY NIGHT 9PM, FOX IS SHOING GREECE V AUSTRALIA LIVE !!!!!
Results from Day 1
Group A
Argentina v France 80-70
Serbia and M v Nigeria 75-82
Venezuela v Lebanon 72-82
Group B
Spain v New Zealand 86-70
Angola v Panama 83-70
Germany v Japan 81-70
Group C
Turkey v Lithuania 76-74
Greece v Qatar 84-64
Brazil v Australia 77-83
Group D
China v Italy 69-84
Slovenia v Senegal 96-79
Puerto Rico v USA 100-111
Greece's next game is against Lithuania the 20/8 at 1330 Greek time
Group A
Argentina v France 80-70
Serbia and M v Nigeria 75-82
Venezuela v Lebanon 72-82
Group B
Spain v New Zealand 86-70
Angola v Panama 83-70
Germany v Japan 81-70
Group C
Turkey v Lithuania 76-74
Greece v Qatar 84-64
Brazil v Australia 77-83
Group D
China v Italy 69-84
Slovenia v Senegal 96-79
Puerto Rico v USA 100-111
Greece's next game is against Lithuania the 20/8 at 1330 Greek time
Welcome to fiba.com
Due to an extremely high amount of user, our website is currently unavailable.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
damn, and they have downloads off all games 12 hrs after each game has finished
Due to an extremely high amount of user, our website is currently unavailable.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
damn, and they have downloads off all games 12 hrs after each game has finished
Game Report, Greece v Qatar 84-64, GROUP C
HAMAMATSU (FIBA World Championship) – Qatar threw an early scare into Greece but the European Champions eventually found their rhythm and claimed a comfortable Group C triumph on the opening day of the FIBA World Championship in Japan.
The Greeks entered this tournament with a full head of steam after winning last year’s EuroBasket in Belgrade and nothing in their build-up to the World Championship suggested they would struggle, especially against Qatar.
But Ali Turki Ali’s three-pointer with seven minutes and 18 seconds remaining in the first half gave the Asian side a 28-12 lead – their biggest of the game.
A Nikos Zisis lay-up and Vassilis Spanoulis’ banked three-pointer triggered a 24-3 run for Greece at the end of the first half, however, and once they got their noses in front there was not stopping the Europeans. They ultimately prevailed 84-64.
“The game is not over after just one quarter or the second quarter,” said Greece captain Mihalis Kakiouzis.
“The game is played over 40 minutes. After the start of the second quarter, we won the game with our defense.”
Dimos Dikoudis led the way for Greece with 26 points while Spanoulis weighed in with 17.
Ali made five of eight shots from the arc and finished with 17 points.
Joey Stiebing’s side, who qualified as bronze medal winners at the FIBA Asian Championship, are underdogs in the group but they rode the hot hand of Ali to a big early advantage.
His first dagger from the arc ripped the net just 70 seconds into the game to give his team a 5-2 lead.
His second three with 5:36 remaining in the first quarter made it 12-4 to Qatar.
Just three seconds before the end of the opening period, another Ali in the side – Saad Ali – made a pair of free throws and the European giants trailed 18-7.
It would get worse before it got better for the Greeks.
Saad Ali followed that up with a three-ball immediately after the restart and after a basket from Ahmad Mohammed, Qatar were in front 23-7.
The Greeks kept their poise, though, and after Ali Turki Ali’s three-pointer gave the Group C minnows their biggest advantage at 16 points, the momentum shifted.
Zisis, who plays for Italian champions Benetton Treviso, scored on a jump shot in the lane and then Spanoulis, who is coming off a great campaign with Panathinaikos and recently signed a contract to play for the Houston Rockets, heaved a three that hit off the glass before falling through the hoop.
“No, I didn’t mean to bank it in,” he said.
Dikoudis powered his way up for three baskets, Spanoulis made four free throws and Antonis Fotsis buried a three-pointer to pull the Greeks level at 30-30 with 2:37 to go in the first half.
Dikoudis added two more baskets in Greece’s final eight points as they led 38-31 at half-time.
Greece threatened to run away, with a three-point play by Kostas Tsartsaris putting them in front at 54-40 late in third quarter, but Qatar stayed within striking distance.
With 6:55 to play, Saad Ali’s two free throws cut their opponents’ lead to 60-55 but Stiebing’s men would get no closer.
Theo Papaloukas’ lay-up immediately after started an eight-point run for Greece which gave them a 68-55 lead and they cruised to victory.
Mohammed Saleem, the starting center for Qatar, admitted: “We struggled bringing the ball up the court.
“We had, I believe, more than 30 turnovers and you can’t beat teams at this level with 30 turnovers.
“But we were right there. I believe we could have beaten this team. But this game is over. We have four more games and I believe if we take care of the ball, if we play with the same intensity, we have a decent chance of winning some games here.”
Greece made 22 of 24 free throws (92%) to just six of 13 (46%) for Qatar.
The Greeks also had just 17 turnovers to 35 for Qatar.
HAMAMATSU (FIBA World Championship) – Qatar threw an early scare into Greece but the European Champions eventually found their rhythm and claimed a comfortable Group C triumph on the opening day of the FIBA World Championship in Japan.
The Greeks entered this tournament with a full head of steam after winning last year’s EuroBasket in Belgrade and nothing in their build-up to the World Championship suggested they would struggle, especially against Qatar.
But Ali Turki Ali’s three-pointer with seven minutes and 18 seconds remaining in the first half gave the Asian side a 28-12 lead – their biggest of the game.
A Nikos Zisis lay-up and Vassilis Spanoulis’ banked three-pointer triggered a 24-3 run for Greece at the end of the first half, however, and once they got their noses in front there was not stopping the Europeans. They ultimately prevailed 84-64.
“The game is not over after just one quarter or the second quarter,” said Greece captain Mihalis Kakiouzis.
“The game is played over 40 minutes. After the start of the second quarter, we won the game with our defense.”
Dimos Dikoudis led the way for Greece with 26 points while Spanoulis weighed in with 17.
Ali made five of eight shots from the arc and finished with 17 points.
Joey Stiebing’s side, who qualified as bronze medal winners at the FIBA Asian Championship, are underdogs in the group but they rode the hot hand of Ali to a big early advantage.
His first dagger from the arc ripped the net just 70 seconds into the game to give his team a 5-2 lead.
His second three with 5:36 remaining in the first quarter made it 12-4 to Qatar.
Just three seconds before the end of the opening period, another Ali in the side – Saad Ali – made a pair of free throws and the European giants trailed 18-7.
It would get worse before it got better for the Greeks.
Saad Ali followed that up with a three-ball immediately after the restart and after a basket from Ahmad Mohammed, Qatar were in front 23-7.
The Greeks kept their poise, though, and after Ali Turki Ali’s three-pointer gave the Group C minnows their biggest advantage at 16 points, the momentum shifted.
Zisis, who plays for Italian champions Benetton Treviso, scored on a jump shot in the lane and then Spanoulis, who is coming off a great campaign with Panathinaikos and recently signed a contract to play for the Houston Rockets, heaved a three that hit off the glass before falling through the hoop.
“No, I didn’t mean to bank it in,” he said.
Dikoudis powered his way up for three baskets, Spanoulis made four free throws and Antonis Fotsis buried a three-pointer to pull the Greeks level at 30-30 with 2:37 to go in the first half.
Dikoudis added two more baskets in Greece’s final eight points as they led 38-31 at half-time.
Greece threatened to run away, with a three-point play by Kostas Tsartsaris putting them in front at 54-40 late in third quarter, but Qatar stayed within striking distance.
With 6:55 to play, Saad Ali’s two free throws cut their opponents’ lead to 60-55 but Stiebing’s men would get no closer.
Theo Papaloukas’ lay-up immediately after started an eight-point run for Greece which gave them a 68-55 lead and they cruised to victory.
Mohammed Saleem, the starting center for Qatar, admitted: “We struggled bringing the ball up the court.
“We had, I believe, more than 30 turnovers and you can’t beat teams at this level with 30 turnovers.
“But we were right there. I believe we could have beaten this team. But this game is over. We have four more games and I believe if we take care of the ball, if we play with the same intensity, we have a decent chance of winning some games here.”
Greece made 22 of 24 free throws (92%) to just six of 13 (46%) for Qatar.
The Greeks also had just 17 turnovers to 35 for Qatar.
To download the game highlights, go here
http://www.mediazone.com/channel/fiba/jsp/vod_main.jsp?grp=c
and find the Greece v Qatatr game
http://www.mediazone.com/channel/fiba/jsp/vod_main.jsp?grp=c
and find the Greece v Qatatr game
Ελλάδα-Λιθουανία 81-76
Αφού νικήσαμε και σε αυτό το ματς μπορούμε να κάνουμε τα πάντα σε αυτό το Μουντομπάσκετ. Η Εθνική έχασε 20 βολές, νικήθηκε κατά κράτος κάτω από τα καλάθια, όμως επιβλήθηκε της Λιθουανίας με 81-76 στην παράταση. Πως έγινε αυτό; Απλώς, η πρωταθλήτρια Ευρώπης έπαιξε καλή άμυνα, έκλεψε πολλές μπάλες και διατήρησε την ψυχραιμία της στα κρίσιμα σημεία. Πλέον, μετά από αυτήν την επιτυχία ο δρόμος για την πρωτιά του Γ’ ομίλου είναι διάπλατα ανοιχτός για την «επίσημη αγαπημένη».
Το παιχνίδι άρχισε με τρόπο ιδανικό για την Εθνική. Ο βασικός σέντερ των Λιθουανών Ρομπέρτας Γιαβτόκας φορτώθηκε γρήγορα με 3 φάουλ και ο Σοφοκλής Σχορτσιανίτης βρήκε χώρο να δράσει. Εκμεταλλευόμενη τον όγκο του «Σόφο», η επίσημη αγαπημένη προηγήθηκε 12-7 ενώ κράτησε αυτό το μικρό προβάδισμα μέχρι το ξεκίνημα της 2ης περιόδου περιόδου (24-18).
Κάπου εκεί όμως τα πράγματα άλλαξαν άρδην. Ο Γιασάιτις προκάλεσε πονοκεφάλους στην ελληνική άμυνα πυροβολώντας από τη γραμμή του τριπόντου ενώ στην άμυνα οι Λιθουανοί διάβαζαν εύκολα το παιχνίδι της Εθνικής. Εκτός των άλλων οι παίκτες του Γιαννάκη έχασαν πολλές ελεύθερες βολές με συνέπεια να δώσουν το δικαίωμα στους αντιπάλους της να ξεφύγουν στο σκορ (31-36, 37-44). Και όλα αυτά ενώ ο Μασιγιάουσκας δεν έβρισκε χώρους για ελεύθερα σουτ προτιμώντας να πασάρει.
Στατιστικά που ενδιαφέρουν
Η Εθνική νίκησε έχοντας:
21/41 βολές
9 αμυντικά ριμπάουντ λιγότερα
8 επιθετικά ριμπάουντ λιγότερα
Oμως έκανε 16 κλεψίματα και 7 λάθη λιγότερα από τον αντίπαλο.
H Eθνική ξύπνησε όταν έμεινε με 10 πόντους πίσω στο σκορ (48-58). Ο Διαμαντίδης πίεσε πολύ στην περιφέρεια και έκλεψε μπάλες αποσυντονίζοντας τους Λιθουανούς. Δεν χρειάστηκαν παρά μόνο δύο λεπτά για να ισοφαρίσει η ομάδα του Γιαννάκη η οποία στη συνέχεια πέρασε και μπροστά (56-52) παίρνοντας μάλιστα το 5ο φάουλ του Γιαβτόκας. Όμως, κάποια αδράνεια στην άμυνα δεν επέτρεψε στην πρωταθλήτρια Ευρώπης να συντηρήσει το προβάδισμά της.
Η Λιθουανία πέρασε πάλι μπροστά 57-58 και 62-65 με τρίποντο του Κλέιζα. Εκεί μίλησε ο Φώτσης ο οποίος με 5 συνεχόμενους πόντους (2 βολές μετά από ένα αυστηρό αντιαθλητικό φάουλ και 1 τρίποντο) χάρισε αέρα 4 πόντων στην Εθνική. Όμως οι Λιθουανοί δεν το έβαλαν κάτω και ισοφάρισαν σε 69-69 πριν ο Διαμαντίδης αστοχήσει στο τελευταίο σουτ της κανονικής περιόδου.
Eυτυχώς, στον έξτρα χρόνο οι διεθνείς περιόρισαν τα λάθη τους και είχαν πιο σωστές επιλογές στην επίθεση. Προηγήθηκαν με καλάθι του Παπαλουκά με 76-72 και επιτέλους όταν χρειάστηκε μπήκαν οι κρίσιμες βολές. Ο Σπανούλης είχε 4/4 στο τέλος και βοήθησε την Εθνική να πάρει την πολυτιμότατη νίκη με 81-76.
ΕΠΟΜΕΝΟΙ ΑΓΩΝΕΣ (all games are in Greek time)
LTU-QAT 07:30 Όμιλος Γ 22/8
GRE-AUS 10:30 Όμιλος Γ22/8
AUS-LTU 07:30 Όμιλος Γ23/8
BRA-GRE 13:30 23/8
Apparently Channel 12 on Optus was showing the Australia match tonite so hopefully they will be screening the Greece v Australia game on Tuesday. It is a World Basketball Championship though and Australia is in it. SBS should have bought the rights to show it. Xalia!!!
Αφού νικήσαμε και σε αυτό το ματς μπορούμε να κάνουμε τα πάντα σε αυτό το Μουντομπάσκετ. Η Εθνική έχασε 20 βολές, νικήθηκε κατά κράτος κάτω από τα καλάθια, όμως επιβλήθηκε της Λιθουανίας με 81-76 στην παράταση. Πως έγινε αυτό; Απλώς, η πρωταθλήτρια Ευρώπης έπαιξε καλή άμυνα, έκλεψε πολλές μπάλες και διατήρησε την ψυχραιμία της στα κρίσιμα σημεία. Πλέον, μετά από αυτήν την επιτυχία ο δρόμος για την πρωτιά του Γ’ ομίλου είναι διάπλατα ανοιχτός για την «επίσημη αγαπημένη».
Το παιχνίδι άρχισε με τρόπο ιδανικό για την Εθνική. Ο βασικός σέντερ των Λιθουανών Ρομπέρτας Γιαβτόκας φορτώθηκε γρήγορα με 3 φάουλ και ο Σοφοκλής Σχορτσιανίτης βρήκε χώρο να δράσει. Εκμεταλλευόμενη τον όγκο του «Σόφο», η επίσημη αγαπημένη προηγήθηκε 12-7 ενώ κράτησε αυτό το μικρό προβάδισμα μέχρι το ξεκίνημα της 2ης περιόδου περιόδου (24-18).
Κάπου εκεί όμως τα πράγματα άλλαξαν άρδην. Ο Γιασάιτις προκάλεσε πονοκεφάλους στην ελληνική άμυνα πυροβολώντας από τη γραμμή του τριπόντου ενώ στην άμυνα οι Λιθουανοί διάβαζαν εύκολα το παιχνίδι της Εθνικής. Εκτός των άλλων οι παίκτες του Γιαννάκη έχασαν πολλές ελεύθερες βολές με συνέπεια να δώσουν το δικαίωμα στους αντιπάλους της να ξεφύγουν στο σκορ (31-36, 37-44). Και όλα αυτά ενώ ο Μασιγιάουσκας δεν έβρισκε χώρους για ελεύθερα σουτ προτιμώντας να πασάρει.
Στατιστικά που ενδιαφέρουν
Η Εθνική νίκησε έχοντας:
21/41 βολές
9 αμυντικά ριμπάουντ λιγότερα
8 επιθετικά ριμπάουντ λιγότερα
Oμως έκανε 16 κλεψίματα και 7 λάθη λιγότερα από τον αντίπαλο.
H Eθνική ξύπνησε όταν έμεινε με 10 πόντους πίσω στο σκορ (48-58). Ο Διαμαντίδης πίεσε πολύ στην περιφέρεια και έκλεψε μπάλες αποσυντονίζοντας τους Λιθουανούς. Δεν χρειάστηκαν παρά μόνο δύο λεπτά για να ισοφαρίσει η ομάδα του Γιαννάκη η οποία στη συνέχεια πέρασε και μπροστά (56-52) παίρνοντας μάλιστα το 5ο φάουλ του Γιαβτόκας. Όμως, κάποια αδράνεια στην άμυνα δεν επέτρεψε στην πρωταθλήτρια Ευρώπης να συντηρήσει το προβάδισμά της.
Η Λιθουανία πέρασε πάλι μπροστά 57-58 και 62-65 με τρίποντο του Κλέιζα. Εκεί μίλησε ο Φώτσης ο οποίος με 5 συνεχόμενους πόντους (2 βολές μετά από ένα αυστηρό αντιαθλητικό φάουλ και 1 τρίποντο) χάρισε αέρα 4 πόντων στην Εθνική. Όμως οι Λιθουανοί δεν το έβαλαν κάτω και ισοφάρισαν σε 69-69 πριν ο Διαμαντίδης αστοχήσει στο τελευταίο σουτ της κανονικής περιόδου.
Eυτυχώς, στον έξτρα χρόνο οι διεθνείς περιόρισαν τα λάθη τους και είχαν πιο σωστές επιλογές στην επίθεση. Προηγήθηκαν με καλάθι του Παπαλουκά με 76-72 και επιτέλους όταν χρειάστηκε μπήκαν οι κρίσιμες βολές. Ο Σπανούλης είχε 4/4 στο τέλος και βοήθησε την Εθνική να πάρει την πολυτιμότατη νίκη με 81-76.
ΕΠΟΜΕΝΟΙ ΑΓΩΝΕΣ (all games are in Greek time)
LTU-QAT 07:30 Όμιλος Γ 22/8
GRE-AUS 10:30 Όμιλος Γ22/8
AUS-LTU 07:30 Όμιλος Γ23/8
BRA-GRE 13:30 23/8
Apparently Channel 12 on Optus was showing the Australia match tonite so hopefully they will be screening the Greece v Australia game on Tuesday. It is a World Basketball Championship though and Australia is in it. SBS should have bought the rights to show it. Xalia!!!
HAMAMATSU (FIBA World Championship) - Turkey staged a dramatic second-half fightback to stun Australia and Greece overcame a woeful shooting night at the free throw line to defeat Lithuania as both won for the second day in a row in Group C.
Turkey won 76-68 over Australia and Greece edged Lithuania 81-76 in overtime as both sides remained perfect and all but sealed their places in the next round off the FIBA World Championship.
Brazil also bounced back from Saturday's defeat to the Aussies, thrashing Qatar 97-66.
Ersan Ilyasova erupted for 14 points after the interval and finished with a team-high 17 to lead Turkey to a 76-68 triumph.
Australia led 40-26 lead at half-time but Turkey hit back.
When CJ Bruton picked up his fifth foul with 2:51 remaining, putting Ibrahim Kutluay on the line, the veteran guard made two free throws to put Turkey in
front for good.
Ilyasova then delivered a hammer blow by making three free throws after being hit on the arm from behind the arc by Jason Smith.
He went to the line and calmly sank all three free throws.
"We don't quit," said Ilyasova. "In the first half we played soft, and we were down by 10. In the second half, we won this game because we wanted to win this game more."
Greece survived a nightmare at the free throw line and defeated Lithuania 81-76 in overtime for their second consecutive victory at the FIBA World Championship.
The Greeks, who came from 16 points down to defeat Qatar on Saturday, trailed 44-37 at half-time against Lithuania after shooting 10 of 23 from the line. But Panagiotis' men, behind the awesome defensive play of Dimitris Diamantidis, came storming back in the third quarter and eventually won in the extra period.
When the game had finished, Greece had made 21 of 41 (51%) of their shots from the line.
Lithuania suffered their second defeat despite out-rebounding the Greeks 46-29.
Brazil delivered a first-quarter knockout punch against Qatar on Sunday to get their Group C campaign on track.
After falling 83-77 in a mild upset to the Australians on day one, the Brazilians sharpened their focus and established control early before cruising to a 97-66 triumph.
Tiago Splitter had a game-high 18 points and Guilherme came off the bench to score 16 for Brazil.
"Everyone entered the court today with a different mentality," said Marcelo Huertas, who started along with Alex in place of Marcelinho and Guilherme as coach Lula Ferreira looked to quicken the tempo.
"That was very important because from the first minute, we were playing hard on defense and once you do that, things on offense come easier."
Turkey won 76-68 over Australia and Greece edged Lithuania 81-76 in overtime as both sides remained perfect and all but sealed their places in the next round off the FIBA World Championship.
Brazil also bounced back from Saturday's defeat to the Aussies, thrashing Qatar 97-66.
Ersan Ilyasova erupted for 14 points after the interval and finished with a team-high 17 to lead Turkey to a 76-68 triumph.
Australia led 40-26 lead at half-time but Turkey hit back.
When CJ Bruton picked up his fifth foul with 2:51 remaining, putting Ibrahim Kutluay on the line, the veteran guard made two free throws to put Turkey in
front for good.
Ilyasova then delivered a hammer blow by making three free throws after being hit on the arm from behind the arc by Jason Smith.
He went to the line and calmly sank all three free throws.
"We don't quit," said Ilyasova. "In the first half we played soft, and we were down by 10. In the second half, we won this game because we wanted to win this game more."
Greece survived a nightmare at the free throw line and defeated Lithuania 81-76 in overtime for their second consecutive victory at the FIBA World Championship.
The Greeks, who came from 16 points down to defeat Qatar on Saturday, trailed 44-37 at half-time against Lithuania after shooting 10 of 23 from the line. But Panagiotis' men, behind the awesome defensive play of Dimitris Diamantidis, came storming back in the third quarter and eventually won in the extra period.
When the game had finished, Greece had made 21 of 41 (51%) of their shots from the line.
Lithuania suffered their second defeat despite out-rebounding the Greeks 46-29.
Brazil delivered a first-quarter knockout punch against Qatar on Sunday to get their Group C campaign on track.
After falling 83-77 in a mild upset to the Australians on day one, the Brazilians sharpened their focus and established control early before cruising to a 97-66 triumph.
Tiago Splitter had a game-high 18 points and Guilherme came off the bench to score 16 for Brazil.
"Everyone entered the court today with a different mentality," said Marcelo Huertas, who started along with Alex in place of Marcelinho and Guilherme as coach Lula Ferreira looked to quicken the tempo.
"That was very important because from the first minute, we were playing hard on defense and once you do that, things on offense come easier."
The Aussies think we are arrogant. Read this
Mackinnon slams Greece as arrogant
From correspondents in Hamamatsu, Japan
August 21, 2006
AUSTRALIA veteran Sam Mackinnon has labelled Greece arrogant and aims to bring the European champion down a notch when it clashes at the world championships in Japan tomorrow.
Greece has stormed to the top of Group C with two straight wins at Hamamatsu Arena and is heavily favoured to make it three from three tomorrow against an inconsistent Boomers outfit sitting 1-1 after two games.
But Mackinnon has other ideas against a side ranked a strong medal contender.
"The way they walk around the hotel and the way they are, they have an arrogance about them," Mackinnon told AAP.
"They've been around for a while and don't really say anything to you. They just look at you.
"We know what they think of us and that will be in the back of our minds.
"But it doesn't mean anything if we don't go out there and play the way we have to to win."
Australia made a great start by upsetting Brazil, but couldn't capitalise on a superb first half against Turkey in a disappointing loss yesterday.
Mackinnon acknowledges the Boomers should still be undefeated, but feels there has been plenty of improvement.
Australia also has recent history against Greece, losing 68-60 in a warm-up tournament in China a fortnight ago.
"They're confident and are obviously going to be the favourites," Mackinnon said.
"But we know we've gone to that next level of competing and executing, so we look forward to it.
"I think teams do realise if they take us lightly we'll jump on them and hopefully bury them.
"I think they'll be wary of us."
The Australians have received little support in the stands to date, with only a sprinkling of compatriots making the trip to Japan.
In contrast, there is a strong Brazilian presence in Hamamatsu and they were out in force in game one, while Turkey also enjoyed heavy support yesterday, including a loud section behind the baseline that came complete with Turkish chants and a drum.
Goorjian is aware his team is considered lightweight in every sense, but it is spurring the Boomers towards their minimum goal of a place in the second round.
That will be achieved with a single victory in any of the three remaining games against Greece, Lithuania and Qatar.
"We're seen as nothing and we came into the tournament that way with that mentality, so we feed off this," he said.
"Everyone cheering against us is good for us right now. We're just trying to get to that next round any way possible."
The match commences at 4.30pm local time (5.30pm AEST).
Mackinnon slams Greece as arrogant
From correspondents in Hamamatsu, Japan
August 21, 2006
AUSTRALIA veteran Sam Mackinnon has labelled Greece arrogant and aims to bring the European champion down a notch when it clashes at the world championships in Japan tomorrow.
Greece has stormed to the top of Group C with two straight wins at Hamamatsu Arena and is heavily favoured to make it three from three tomorrow against an inconsistent Boomers outfit sitting 1-1 after two games.
But Mackinnon has other ideas against a side ranked a strong medal contender.
"The way they walk around the hotel and the way they are, they have an arrogance about them," Mackinnon told AAP.
"They've been around for a while and don't really say anything to you. They just look at you.
"We know what they think of us and that will be in the back of our minds.
"But it doesn't mean anything if we don't go out there and play the way we have to to win."
Australia made a great start by upsetting Brazil, but couldn't capitalise on a superb first half against Turkey in a disappointing loss yesterday.
Mackinnon acknowledges the Boomers should still be undefeated, but feels there has been plenty of improvement.
Australia also has recent history against Greece, losing 68-60 in a warm-up tournament in China a fortnight ago.
"They're confident and are obviously going to be the favourites," Mackinnon said.
"But we know we've gone to that next level of competing and executing, so we look forward to it.
"I think teams do realise if they take us lightly we'll jump on them and hopefully bury them.
"I think they'll be wary of us."
The Australians have received little support in the stands to date, with only a sprinkling of compatriots making the trip to Japan.
In contrast, there is a strong Brazilian presence in Hamamatsu and they were out in force in game one, while Turkey also enjoyed heavy support yesterday, including a loud section behind the baseline that came complete with Turkish chants and a drum.
Goorjian is aware his team is considered lightweight in every sense, but it is spurring the Boomers towards their minimum goal of a place in the second round.
That will be achieved with a single victory in any of the three remaining games against Greece, Lithuania and Qatar.
"We're seen as nothing and we came into the tournament that way with that mentality, so we feed off this," he said.
"Everyone cheering against us is good for us right now. We're just trying to get to that next round any way possible."
The match commences at 4.30pm local time (5.30pm AEST).
ELLAS OLE!! WE JUST WON, IN THE LAST FEW SECONDS!!
GREECE 72
AUSTRALIA 69
AUSTRALIA 69
What a great match! Greece scored two 3-pointers in the last few seconds to win the game. Πηγε η καρδια μας στην κουλουρη αλλα αξιζε. Μπραβο παιδια!
Greece's next matches are (AEST)
BRA-GRE 8:30pm 23/8
GRE-TUR 8:30pm 24/8
Greece's next matches are (AEST)
BRA-GRE 8:30pm 23/8
GRE-TUR 8:30pm 24/8
I heard the game on supersport fm
Then i saw it at a sports bar and there were racist aussies making fun of the greek surnames. laughing and making fun of the greeks.
Then the aussies were going on how australia had won. little did they know. serves them right!!!
Then i saw it at a sports bar and there were racist aussies making fun of the greek surnames. laughing and making fun of the greeks.
Then the aussies were going on how australia had won. little did they know. serves them right!!!
QUOTE(greekprince @ Aug 22 2006, 11:36 PM) [snapback]46880[/snapback]
I heard the game on supersport fm
Then i saw it at a sports bar and there were racist aussies making fun of the greek surnames. laughing and making fun of the greeks.
Then the aussies were going on how australia had won. little did they know. serves them right!!!
Dumb fucks, did u see all the mullets in the Aussie team? From now on, no more Boomers, just the Mullets
i watched the game in greece.... first of all i was disappointed in how both teams played i have seen better games in a C grade match.... other than that the last 30 secs were the best u could get with us kicking the aussies ass' me and my sis could be heard down the block cos we were screaming so loud man i wish i was in skippy land at that point in time to rub it into the aussies...... i was abusing both teams(greek for fucking up and the skips well who needs an excuse lol) a suprise to me was makkinon playing lmao i thought he was a has been haha the last i herd of him was wen i was in grade 4 lol ... without smithy and makkinon the aussie team would have been lost from the start as soon as smithy got fouled off that was the end of the aussie team...
i loved the greek commentator who pronounced bogut as baget lmao point and laugh stoopid bogut....
ANYWAYS THE WHOLE POINT IS WE WON WE WON WE WON muhahahahahahaa
i loved the greek commentator who pronounced bogut as baget lmao point and laugh stoopid bogut....
ANYWAYS THE WHOLE POINT IS WE WON WE WON WE WON muhahahahahahaa
I was watching SBS world sport, and at the end, Les Murray was saying how Aussies are headed for victory with only 2 mins remaining. I was forced to only watch highlights, but saw those last 2 mins on my comp... Anyway i was comentating to my aussie mate through msn audio... omg the shit he heard coming outta his speakers, it wasnt comprehendable !! I went nuts!!
ELLAS OLEEEEE!!!
ELLAS OLEEEEE!!!
that game between australia and greece was indeed a nail biter. greece was down 69-66 in the last 30 seconds of the game. at this point it would of seem obvious thay greece appeared to lose then a foul was called by the ref by greece followed by a foul by australia then greece nailed two three pointers with less than 10 seconds on the clock remaining.
it was a well played game for both teams right until the end
it was a well played game for both teams right until the end
that was an awesome. game. well done ellas. show those aussies. put them back in their place.
This one could have gone either way.
If Australia knew how to defend there is no way Greece would have won, just showed our class in the end.
Greece need to pick up there game, we arnt really raising any Eyebrows.
Tsatsaris i feel is overrated, Bogut killed him.
Bogut is a gun.
If Australia knew how to defend there is no way Greece would have won, just showed our class in the end.
Greece need to pick up there game, we arnt really raising any Eyebrows.
Tsatsaris i feel is overrated, Bogut killed him.
Bogut is a gun.
QUOTE(PAOKARA @ Aug 23 2006, 06:23 PM) [snapback]47141[/snapback]
This one could have gone either way.
If Australia knew how to defend there is no way Greece would have won, just showed our class in the end.
Greece need to pick up there game, we arnt really raising any Eyebrows.
Tsatsaris i feel is overrated, Bogut killed him.
Bogut is a gun.
Its a team effort thats going to win a World cup, not an individual.
Ελλάδα-Βραζιλία 91-80
Είχαμε προετοιμαστεί να πανηγυρίσουμε μία άνετη νίκη αλλά τελικά το άγχος μας συντρόφευσε και πάλι. Η Εθνική προηγήθηκε με 20 πόντους αλλά λίγο πριν το τέλος βρέθηκε να χάνει με 3! Η κατάληξη συνήθης: Τέταρτη συνεχόμενη νίκη για την επίσημη αγαπημένη (91-80) με μπόλικο άγχος. Στο παιχνίδι με την Τουρκία την Πέμπτη θα κριθεί η πρώτη θέση του 3ου ομίλου.
Η Εθνική, κατά τη διάρκεια των δύο πρώτων δεκαλέπτων, είναι αυτή που θέλουμε να βλέπουμε. Ναι μεν έπαιξε καλή, επιθετική άμυνα αλλά και στην επίθεση ξεδίπλωσε μέρος του ταλέντου της. Και καλή κυκλοφορία της μπάλας είχε, και σωστές επιλογές, και ευστοχία στα μακρινά σουτ (με Κακιούζη, Φώτση, Χατζηβρέττα) ενώ παράλληλα απειλούσε και μέσα από τη ρακέτα με Παπαδόπουλο και Ντικούδη.
Ετσι, χωρίς πολύ κόπο, η διαφορά άνοιξε από νωρίς. 26-15 λίγο πριν από τη λήξη του πρώτου δεκαλέπτου, 40-21 λίγο αργότερα και 49-32 στη λήξη του ημιχρόνου.
Οι Βραζιλιάνοι από την πλευρά τους προσπάθησαν να στήσουν παγίδα στην Εθνική με την άμυνα ζώνης που έπαιξαν αλλά μάλλον έπεσαν οι ίδιοι μέσα. Στην επίθεση, οι επιλογές τους ήταν τραβηγμένες ενώ έδειξαν να έχουν πρόβλημα όποτε οι διεθνείς εφάρμοζαν το ζον-πρες στο μισό γήπεδο.
Στο ζυγωματικό τραυματίστηκε ο Ζήσης μετά το αντιαθλητικό χτύπημα του Βαρεχάο. Αμέσως το ιατρικό επιτελείο της Εθνικής τοποθέτησε πάγο στο πρόσωπο του Ελληνα γκαρντ ο οποίος δεν ξαναχρησιμοποιήθηκε από τον Παναγιώτη Γιαννάκη. H Eλλάδα συνέχισε στο ίδιο τέμπο και στο τρίτο δεκάλεπτο και δεν έχασε τη μεγάλη διαφορά (65-46, 67-51) στο σκορ παρά τα διαδοχικά τρίποντα του Μασάδο. Αν έλειπε και το αντιαθλητικό χτύπημα του Βαρεχάο στο Ζήση που προκάλεσε τον τραυματισμό του Ελληνα γκαρντ όλα θα ήταν τέλεια.
Και ενώ κυλούσαν όλα ομαλά ήρθαν τα πάνω κάτω αφού η Εθνική έχασε την αυτοσυγκέντρωσή της. Οι Βραζιλιάνοι έτρεξαν ένα σερί 2-19 και προηγήθηκαν με καλάθι του Σλπίτερ με 70-69!
Το επιθετικό μπλακ-άουτ της πρωταθλήτριας Ευρώπης (είχε μείνει 6 λεπτά χωρίς καλάθι) κόντρα στη βραζιλιάνικη ζώνη έσπασε ο Νίκος Χατζηβρέττας με απίθανο τρίποντο ενώ στη συνέχεια ο Διαμαντίδης με τέσσερις σερί βολές έγραψε το 76-72.
Τον μιμήθηκαν όσοι συμπαίκτες του πήγαν στη γραμμή των φάουλ (απόλυτη ευστοχία στα τελευταία κρίσιμα λεπτά) και έτσι η Εθνική ξεπέρασε και αυτόν τον σκόπελο που μάλλον η ίδια έβαλε στο δρόμο της.
Είχαμε προετοιμαστεί να πανηγυρίσουμε μία άνετη νίκη αλλά τελικά το άγχος μας συντρόφευσε και πάλι. Η Εθνική προηγήθηκε με 20 πόντους αλλά λίγο πριν το τέλος βρέθηκε να χάνει με 3! Η κατάληξη συνήθης: Τέταρτη συνεχόμενη νίκη για την επίσημη αγαπημένη (91-80) με μπόλικο άγχος. Στο παιχνίδι με την Τουρκία την Πέμπτη θα κριθεί η πρώτη θέση του 3ου ομίλου.
Η Εθνική, κατά τη διάρκεια των δύο πρώτων δεκαλέπτων, είναι αυτή που θέλουμε να βλέπουμε. Ναι μεν έπαιξε καλή, επιθετική άμυνα αλλά και στην επίθεση ξεδίπλωσε μέρος του ταλέντου της. Και καλή κυκλοφορία της μπάλας είχε, και σωστές επιλογές, και ευστοχία στα μακρινά σουτ (με Κακιούζη, Φώτση, Χατζηβρέττα) ενώ παράλληλα απειλούσε και μέσα από τη ρακέτα με Παπαδόπουλο και Ντικούδη.
Ετσι, χωρίς πολύ κόπο, η διαφορά άνοιξε από νωρίς. 26-15 λίγο πριν από τη λήξη του πρώτου δεκαλέπτου, 40-21 λίγο αργότερα και 49-32 στη λήξη του ημιχρόνου.
Οι Βραζιλιάνοι από την πλευρά τους προσπάθησαν να στήσουν παγίδα στην Εθνική με την άμυνα ζώνης που έπαιξαν αλλά μάλλον έπεσαν οι ίδιοι μέσα. Στην επίθεση, οι επιλογές τους ήταν τραβηγμένες ενώ έδειξαν να έχουν πρόβλημα όποτε οι διεθνείς εφάρμοζαν το ζον-πρες στο μισό γήπεδο.
Στο ζυγωματικό τραυματίστηκε ο Ζήσης μετά το αντιαθλητικό χτύπημα του Βαρεχάο. Αμέσως το ιατρικό επιτελείο της Εθνικής τοποθέτησε πάγο στο πρόσωπο του Ελληνα γκαρντ ο οποίος δεν ξαναχρησιμοποιήθηκε από τον Παναγιώτη Γιαννάκη. H Eλλάδα συνέχισε στο ίδιο τέμπο και στο τρίτο δεκάλεπτο και δεν έχασε τη μεγάλη διαφορά (65-46, 67-51) στο σκορ παρά τα διαδοχικά τρίποντα του Μασάδο. Αν έλειπε και το αντιαθλητικό χτύπημα του Βαρεχάο στο Ζήση που προκάλεσε τον τραυματισμό του Ελληνα γκαρντ όλα θα ήταν τέλεια.
Και ενώ κυλούσαν όλα ομαλά ήρθαν τα πάνω κάτω αφού η Εθνική έχασε την αυτοσυγκέντρωσή της. Οι Βραζιλιάνοι έτρεξαν ένα σερί 2-19 και προηγήθηκαν με καλάθι του Σλπίτερ με 70-69!
Το επιθετικό μπλακ-άουτ της πρωταθλήτριας Ευρώπης (είχε μείνει 6 λεπτά χωρίς καλάθι) κόντρα στη βραζιλιάνικη ζώνη έσπασε ο Νίκος Χατζηβρέττας με απίθανο τρίποντο ενώ στη συνέχεια ο Διαμαντίδης με τέσσερις σερί βολές έγραψε το 76-72.
Τον μιμήθηκαν όσοι συμπαίκτες του πήγαν στη γραμμή των φάουλ (απόλυτη ευστοχία στα τελευταία κρίσιμα λεπτά) και έτσι η Εθνική ξεπέρασε και αυτόν τον σκόπελο που μάλλον η ίδια έβαλε στο δρόμο της.
i tuned into the Greece v Australia game with 3 minutes remaining
i was in shock, somewhat embarrassed when Greece were losing by 5 points with 30 seconds left on the clock.
the comeback was unbelievable, and it displayed Greece's brilliance. Greece is a world class team, Australia only have one world class player, although are still a good team. It would've been a shame to see Greece lose to a team weaker than them... they're already doing that in soccer far too often so it's good that they're winning the games they should be winning in bball.
the aussie commentators were frustrating to say the least, supporting and cheering on the aussies, the commentator with the yankie accent screamed "go Boomers!" with 30 seconds left, after some dubious calls by the ref (in the favour of Australia) - esp the out-of-bounds call. Anyway, Greece won and that commentator can go back to the bush-league commentating, considering he doesn't know how to 'fence sit' like a decent commentator would. I dunno what his name is and i don't care, he is scum.
i was in shock, somewhat embarrassed when Greece were losing by 5 points with 30 seconds left on the clock.
the comeback was unbelievable, and it displayed Greece's brilliance. Greece is a world class team, Australia only have one world class player, although are still a good team. It would've been a shame to see Greece lose to a team weaker than them... they're already doing that in soccer far too often so it's good that they're winning the games they should be winning in bball.
the aussie commentators were frustrating to say the least, supporting and cheering on the aussies, the commentator with the yankie accent screamed "go Boomers!" with 30 seconds left, after some dubious calls by the ref (in the favour of Australia) - esp the out-of-bounds call. Anyway, Greece won and that commentator can go back to the bush-league commentating, considering he doesn't know how to 'fence sit' like a decent commentator would. I dunno what his name is and i don't care, he is scum.
Before the tournament i predicted the final will be between USA and either France or Germany...
France just lost to Lebanon, my god have the wheels fallen off for the French since Zidane headbutted the stronzo.
Spain dominated Germany too which shocked me. Pao Gasol's boys are better than Dirk Nowitzki's it seems.
best australia can do now is 4th (realistically) unless they lose to Qatar. This would see them face the USA... i doubt brazil could beat lithuania, which would deny australia a spot in the round of 16.
China is facing Round 1 elimination unless they absolutely slaughter Slovenia, which won't happen. Such a big country, so little talent in anything beyond table tennis. Shame.
France just lost to Lebanon, my god have the wheels fallen off for the French since Zidane headbutted the stronzo.
Spain dominated Germany too which shocked me. Pao Gasol's boys are better than Dirk Nowitzki's it seems.
best australia can do now is 4th (realistically) unless they lose to Qatar. This would see them face the USA... i doubt brazil could beat lithuania, which would deny australia a spot in the round of 16.
China is facing Round 1 elimination unless they absolutely slaughter Slovenia, which won't happen. Such a big country, so little talent in anything beyond table tennis. Shame.
A great win for Hellas i hope they can reach on the finals and win the world championship they made us proud
QUOTE(Otis @ Aug 24 2006, 11:05 AM) [snapback]47266[/snapback]
Before the tournament i predicted the final will be between USA and either France or Germany...
France just lost to Lebanon, my god have the wheels fallen off for the French since Zidane headbutted the stronzo.
Spain dominated Germany too which shocked me. Pao Gasol's boys are better than Dirk Nowitzki's it seems.
best australia can do now is 4th (realistically) unless they lose to Qatar. This would see them face the USA... i doubt brazil could beat lithuania, which would deny australia a spot in the round of 16.
China is facing Round 1 elimination unless they absolutely slaughter Slovenia, which won't happen. Such a big country, so little talent in anything beyond table tennis. Shame.
Germany arnt as strong as they seem, they were somewhat lucky to make the Eurobasket final, its fair to say they overachived. Spain spanking them comes as no suprise. Nowitzki runs the show for them, no Nowitzki, no Germany really.
True, Germany are a one man team in a way. At the moment at half time they're barely beating Angola. Although one man can usually be used as a decoy and release the rest of his team, if they know how to play as a team. Australia are exploiting other teams' attention to Bogut, and Bogut isn't half the player Nowitzki is. We're talking about the NBA Western Conference's 2nd best 'Big man' after Tim Duncan.
Regardless, you're right, Germany is a one man team... and to add to that they are also poorly coached... just like China (with Yao Ming and a bunch of useless monkeys).
Australia are leading Qatar 50-30, midway through the 3rd quarter.
Interestingly, Serbia & Montenegro are only 2 points behind Argentina with 3 minutes remaining in their match.
Regardless, you're right, Germany is a one man team... and to add to that they are also poorly coached... just like China (with Yao Ming and a bunch of useless monkeys).
Australia are leading Qatar 50-30, midway through the 3rd quarter.
Interestingly, Serbia & Montenegro are only 2 points behind Argentina with 3 minutes remaining in their match.
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