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FIBA WORLD CUP - GROUP F (MATCHDAY 3)

AGONAsport previews the decisive Group F match between Greece and New Zealand at the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

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There is no room for error. Before the start of the tournament, Greece were rightfully considered as one of the favourites, but the Episimi Agapimeni simply have to beat New Zealand to remain in contention. A defeat would result in the Greeks suffering elimination in the first group phase.

In truth, Greece should never be in this position. In the second match against Brazil, the Greeks boasted a 17-point lead at one point, but a dreadful performance in the final two quarters resulted in the opponents snatching a surprise victory by a score of 79-78. Kostas Sloukas missed one of three free throws in the closing seconds as the Brazilians hung on to a famous win.

As a result of that win, Brazil have already qualified for the second round, and either Greece or New Zealand will join them there. The Episimi Agapimeni had beaten Montenegro in their first match.

On Tuesday, New Zealand gained their first win of the competition, defeating Montenegro 93-83 to remain in the race for a place in the second phase. They had lost to Brazil 102-94 in their maiden game. When playing Montenegro, the Tall Blacks required a big fourth quarter to seal the win, outscoring the opposing team 27-18 to keep them at bay. Corey Webster (25 points) and Isaac Fotu (20 points) both caught the eye with strong showings.

NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo received a lot of criticism after the loss to Brazil. However, the 24-year-old is full of motivation to fire Greece to continental success, and you can be sure that he will strike back with a vengeance in this game. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Although he is now 34 years of age, Olympiacos veteran Giorgos Printezis is still capable of making the difference at the top level. He took a leading role for Greece in the match against Brazil, tallying 20 points and draining a late three-pointer to get his team back in the game. His vast experience of knockout games will certainly come in handy on Thursday.

Corey Webster is enjoying a strong tournament. His 25 points were vital to beating Montenegro on matchday two, and if the Tall Blacks are to cause a huge shock and send Greece packing, they need the 30-year-old to repeat those heroics. Webster plays for the NZ Breakers in his homeland.

QUOTES

Thanasis Skourtopoulos: “We have lost the advantage in the group. However, we now have to regroup and qualify for the next round. There is no other option. We have spoken to the guys, everyone is determined to succeed, and all mistakes have been analysed. We know how we need to work.”

Kostas Sloukas: “I believe in my team. We have to beat New Zealand and then see what happens in the next phase of the competition. Tomorrow is a different match, the opponents are good shooters. We must be calm and remained focused on our target.”

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: gazzetta.gr

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