Spain and the first World Cup test against Brazil
Scariolo’s men seek another victory and the second phase against the strongest rival in Group G
MADRID, 27 Ago. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Spanish men’s basketball team will play this Monday (3:30 p.m./Teledeporte) its second game in the 2023 World Cup, against a Brazil that also made its debut with authority and wants first place in Group G and full wins to the second phase.
The defending champion started as a clear favorite in the pools to dominate the first phase at the Indonesia Arena but, going further, each victory can be vital in search of the quarterfinals. Thus, Brazil raises the challenge after the Ivory Coast.
Sergio Scariolo’s men unceremoniously surpassed the ‘Elephants’ with a very toned Willy Hernangómez (22 points), in a choral exercise that was only let go in the last quarter. The Italian coach regretted the 18 losses and the blow to the knee of Álex Abrines that makes him a doubt for the second round.
Meanwhile, Brazil destroyed Iran (100-59) with a great performance by Bruno Caboclo and regretting a serious injury to one of their references such as Raul Neto. Thus, an old acquaintance of Spanish basketball like Marcelinho Huertas will have to step forward before his teammates and friends from the Endesa League.
Spain and Brazil have met 15 times in official matches. The balance is favorable to the Spanish team, but two of the last four matches, both in the Olympic Games, ended with a Brazilian victory. On the other hand, the Spanish team won seven of the eight games played in World Cups.
Scariolo’s men will need one more step this Monday from Santi Aldama, who noted the nerves of the debut on Saturday, and the contribution of Alberto Díaz to stop Huertas. The national coach did not hide the fact that Juan Núñez, at 19, is the conductor of a Spain with the challenge of succeeding again without big stars like last year in the European Championship.
DATASHEET:
–EQUIPMENT:
BRAZIL: Huertas, Yago Santos, Caboclo, Meindl and Tim Soares –possible initial quintet–, Felicio, Benite, Gui Santos, Dos Anjos, De Paula, Dias.
SPAIN: Núñez, Llull, Parra, J. Hernangómez and W. Hernangómez — possible starting quintet –; Abrines, Aldama, Brizuela, Claver, Díaz, R. Fernández, Garuba.
–HALL: Indonesia Arena.
–TIME: 3:30 p.m./Teledeporte.