The silver medalist did not qualify, the bronze winner is already out – and the defending champion is under a lot of pressure: Today, after the end of the intermediate round at the Basketball World Cup in Asia, the three best-placed teams at the 2019 World Cup could already have been eliminated.
In contrast to France and Argentina, the Spaniards, who are also European champions, still have a chance of reaching the finals in the Philippine capital, Manila. The starting position at a glance.
Two finals to win the group
The USA and Lithuania as well as Slovenia and Germany can look forward to the last matchday of the intermediate round relatively relaxed. All four teams have already secured their ticket for Manila after four wins and are only dueling for group victory. The USA have had a flawless summer so far and are the clear favorites against Lithuania (2.40 p.m.) in the capital. For the Germans it remains to be seen whether the ailing stars Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner will be able to play in Okinawa, Japan.
Canada wants to end Spain’s era
The world and European champion wobbles. After the unexpected bankruptcy against outsiders Latvia, the Spanish medal hamsters around Willy Hernangomez are threatened with an early end. Against the significantly better manned Canadians with NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an improvement is needed today (3.30 p.m.) in Jakarta. But Canada also made a surprising mistake on Friday, with the loss to Brazil making the group exciting. The winner of the game between Latvia and Brazil (11.45 a.m.) will surprisingly make it into the last eight.
Europe vs Central America
First Italy against Puerto Rico (10.00 a.m.), then Serbia in a final duel with the Dominican Republic (2.00 p.m.): Group I also has two finals. The starting point is clear: Whoever wins gets through and can take part in the final round. If you lose, you’re out. Whoever wins the group then depends on the direct comparison. First place could be important because it will most likely avoid a quarter-final against top favorite USA.
