From the special reporter "Vijesti"
Monday, August 5 - at the Olympic Games, it was the day when the best tennis players left Paris, after the historic gold Novak Djokovic, but also the day when the men's basketball teams arrived in the City of Light. It's time for the end of the Olympic tournament, and the quarter-final duels are being played today.
Germany and Greece open the program in "Akor Arena" (better known as Bersi Hall) from 11:XNUMX a.m., and the Germans, as the current world champions, have the role of favorites as they finished the group with all three victories.
It was a team Gordon Herbert better than Japan, Brazil and host France - he beat all rivals by a double-digit margin.
- We are very happy with how we looked in the group, but now it seems like a new tournament is starting. The quarterfinals are often the most difficult game in the tournament and we have to be aware that everything we've done so far can easily disappear - said Herbert.
Denis Šruder is the leader of Germany, there are also brothers Franc i Moric Wagner, Daniel Tye...
- We came to win a medal. We have taken the first step, but we are still far from the goal - pointed out Šruder.
The Greeks reached the knockout stage by a narrow margin, with a victory over Australia in the last round. Before that they lost to Spain and Canada.
- We showed that we are improving as the tournament progresses and I believe that will be the case in the quarterfinals as well. Who is the favorite? These are the toughest games of the tournament - they lead you to a medal or you are left with nothing. Which team is more mentally prepared for the big fight - is closer to the semi-finals - says the legendary Vasilis Spanulis, selector Helena.
The winner of this quarter-final pair will meet in the semi-final with the better of the duel between France and Canada (18 p.m.). The "Tricolors" have not made a special impression so far, Canada is a top team full of NBA players...
FURNIJE: WE ARE COMMITTED TO DEFENSE MORE THAN WE SHOULD
And the atmosphere in the team is not good enough either Vincent Cole speech and statement Evan Fournier, who criticized the way the French played.
- Now is the time when the attack is the one that wins the games. Defense, of course, needs to be played, but I think we are committed to it more than we should. Because, in the end, you have to give a basket - pointed out Fournije.
France lacks a quality playmaker, it was also seen in the preparatory period, and it seems that Canada has everything - led by the ace of Oklahoma To this Gilge-Alexander.
- Against the host, you always need something more in the biggest competitions, but we know that quality is on our side - is the message Dillon Brooks.
PEŠIĆ: DEFENSE RUINS AUSTRALIA
The semi-final that many in Paris would like to see is the clash between the United States of America and Serbia. It will be reached if the chosen ones Svetislav Pešić beat Australia (14.30:21.30 p.m.), and the "Yankees" justify their role as absolute favorites against Brazil (26:XNUMX p.m.). Serbia and the USA had already met in the group and then there was no dilemma - plus XNUMX for one of the strongest teams America has ever had at the Games.
- In order to win Australia, we need to take over Greece's recipe - it is a team against which defense is crucial, because you must not allow them to run around and have their own rhythm - Pešić is clear.
Bogdan Bogdanović, Nikola Jokić the others can also play with the "kangaroos", that's for sure.
- If we are patient in attack and good both as a team and individually in defense - that will lead us to triumph - added Pešić.
The Americans scored over 100 points in all three victories in the group, receiving 84, 86 and 83, and another routine game is expected against the Brazilians. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry... And that it should be a preparation for that right, because the USA came for gold, and they are not interested in anything else.
- Opponents such as Brazil, who are completely atypical, should not be underestimated. I am sure that my players will not allow that - said the coach Stiv Circle, whose selection wants to bring the nation the 17th Olympic gold and the fifth in a row.
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