The tenth final for Serbia (but only the second since it was not part of Yugoslavia), the ninth for the United States of America or the first for Canada and Germany - the time has come for the final showdowns in Manila, it's time for the Mundobasket semi-finals. Two European selections and two that are part of the NBA reached the finals, most of which are made up of players from the strongest basketball competition on the planet.
The first match of the day in the "Mall of Asia Arena" is played by Serbia and Canada (10.45:XNUMX a.m.), and regardless of the history, the role of favorites belongs to the "road warriors" from North America.
Pešić: Stop the counterattack; Đordi: Stop Bogdan
The match between Serbia and Canada will in some way be a clash of two basketball eras. "Orlove" leads Svetislav Pesic, a legendary expert who won gold medals at major competitions 30 years ago, and Canada was young Jordi Fernades, who until now worked as an assistant in NBA clubs.
- The most important thing is how much we will manage to stop their attack in transition, where they are great, said Pešić.
Canada arrived at Mundobasket with as many as seven NBA players, and they are led by great players Shay Gilgis Alexander, ARJ Barrett, Dillon Brooks...
- These are all excellent players, individuals, with excellent statistics in NBA clubs, good attackers and defenders. Canada may have shown the best defense of all the teams, or it is among the best, that's why it is there, added Pešić.
On the other hand, Fernades sat on the Canadian bench only in July of this year, instead Nick Nursa.
- Serbia is one of the best defensive teams, forces the opponents to lose a lot of balls, runs a lot, is the best in the transition game. We have to be ready to respond to that - said Fernandes.
He also touched the captain of Serbia.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic is a very good basketball player, it is difficult to guard him, but we have several players who can do it - Fernades pointed out.
Kerr: Germany the best team in the tournament
Germany reached the semi-finals with six victories in the same number of matches, while the United States of America was defeated by Lithuania, and they were tormented by Montenegro...
- Germany is probably the best team of the tournament so far - the USA coach is clear Stiv Circle.
In the quarter-finals against Italy, however, the Americans showed why they are the first favorites, while Germany is the biggest star even with a game to forget. Denis Schroeder eliminated Latvia.
- Schröder is our leader, one match doesn't change anything - we still trust him. The semi-finals? Obviously, some of the best basketball players on the planet are waiting for us - said the German guard Maodo Lo.
SCHEDULE
Semi-finals, today
10.45 a.m. Serbia - Canada
14.40 USA - Germany
Quarterfinals
Germany - Latvia 81:79
Canada - Slovenia 100:89
Lithuania - Serbia 68:87
Italy - USA 63:100
Bonus video: