Plenty at stake against the Americans

FIBA WORLD CUP - GROUP K (MATCHDAY 1)

AGONAsport previews the crucial Group K meeting between the USA and Greece at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

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The stakes couldn’t be any higher. If Greece beat the USA, the World Cup dream will live on, but a defeat could potentially mean that the Episimi Agapimeni suffer elimination. The Greeks will be hoping that the Czech Republic can beat Brazil in the first match of the day.

In the event Greece, Brazil and the Czech Republic finish level in the standings, point differential will decide who progresses to the next round.

Greece have to defy the odds against the USA. Reigning world champions, the Americans incredibly haven’t lost a competitive game since the 2006 FIBA World Championship, with that defeat incidentally being inflicted by Greece. The USA did concede a shock loss to Australia in a warm-up game for the World Cup this summer.

America predictably progressed from Group E with a perfect record. In the first game, the USA eased past the Czech Republic 88-67, before they managed to somehow survive a thriller with Turkey 93-92. The Americans then completed the maiden group stage with a thumping 98-45 triumph over struggling Japan.

On Thursday, Greece sealed progression in second place behind Brazil in Group F, edging past New Zealand 103-97. The fact that the team allowed the opponents to score 97 points certainly raised concerns among fans, especially given that head coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos was happy with the defensive performance.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

While several players withdrew from the American squad ahead of the tournament, there are still some NBA stars in the squad. Perhaps none of those names are more important than Kemba Walker, who currently leads the squad with an average of 14 points per game. The Boston Celtics point guard is an instrumental part of the USA attack and has already featured in highlight reels this tournament with his silky step-back three-pointers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo must step up to the plate once again. In the last game, he answered his critics in perfect fashion, knocking down 24 points and picking up 10 rebounds to steer Greece into the second stage of the tournament. A man for the big occasion, the 24-year-old has to give a big performance on Saturday. Antetokounmpo averages 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in three games so far.

QUOTES

Thanasis Skourtopoulos: “We much be 100% focused on the match, while remembering what we have been working towards. I believe that we will respond. This will be a tough match, because it’s very difficult to beat these opponents. We have drawn some conclusions after watching all three of their matches in the first group stage. I hope that we can achieve a positive result.”

Giorgos Printezis: “We need to improve. I cannot say that I am 100% happy with how we played in defence against New Zealand, but we had to use a new tactic because they have very good shooters. The US are more aggressive, so we must improve. We have motivation to beat every team. Small details make the difference.”

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: gazzetta.gr

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