After a week and a half of round robin basketball action, we have finally entered the knock-out single elimination stage of the FIBA World Basketball Championships. We have had our fair share of disappointments, thank you Canada and surprises, way to go New Zealand. So let's get our perspective on the upcoming matches with some fearless predictions.
Serbia - Croatia
Serbia have played very well during group play and edged Argentina for first place in Group A. Croatia, on the other hand, struggled to come fourth in Group B. Serbia will win, but this game is going to be physical not due to any historical conflict though.
Posts By Panos Pick - SERBIA
Spain - Greece
Spain loses to France, Greece loses to Russia to avoid the Americans and both teams will now face each other in a rematch of the 2006 final in Japan. Both teams are not clicking on all cylinders and maybe the extra days off will lead to a well-played match. Of course, heart before mind, the pick is the Greeks.
Posts By Panos Pick - GREECE
Slovenia - Australia
Slovenia have played well so far and finished second in Group B but struggled in their last game against Iran winning by just five points. Australia finished third in Group A but played very well in losses against Argentina and Serbia. At the end of the day, Slovenia is too strong and they will prevail.
Posts By Panos Pick - SLOVENIA
Turkey - France
France were one point away from facing Greece instead of Turkey and now will face a boisterous home crowd in the Sweet Sixteen. Led by Boris 'Buckets' Diaw, the worse nickname in sports, France will play motion basketball against the home crowd Turks. Turkey is one of the few teams, along with the US, that is firing on all cylinders and their victory over Greece was well deserved. The home crowd will carry Turkey into the next round.
Posts By Panos Pick - TURKEY
United States - Angola
The US have only been tested once so far in the tournament, against a very good Brazil team that used the side pick and roll to perfection. I am still not 100% sold on the Americans, but they will get by Angola in this game.
Posts By Panos Pick - UNITED STATES
Russia - New Zealand
In their game against Greece, it appeared as if both teams were trying to lose as to avoid the Americans in the quarterfinals. Little did the Russians know that if they lost the game they would have to play Spain in the Sweet Sixteen. New Zealand are led by Kirk Penny who has been the tournament's leading scorer.
Posts By Panos Pick - RUSSIA
Lithuania - China
Lithuania have beaten Spain & France to finish group play undefeated and they will face China who via a tiebreaker were given the fourth spot in Group C ahead of Puerto Rico and the Ivory Coast. Lithuania in a laugher is the pick.
Posts By Panos Pick - LITHUANIA
Argentina - Brazil
This will be great game between two of South Americas powerhouses in basketball. Unfortunately it might not get the same publicity if it was a football match. Brazil gave the US all they can handle in their match, but somehow followed up that performance with a loss to Slovenia to be relegated to third place in the group. Argentina finished second in Group A and played well against Serbia. At the end of the day, I think Brazil's athleticism will win out against Argentina's guile and experience. Remember that Brazil's coach is Argentine.
Posts By Panos Pick - BRAZIL
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