The United States are in the semifinals against a Germany that seeks the “impossible”, the big favorite to reach the final of the FIBA World Cup, which will be played in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, while Serbia and Canada are fighting for multiples Equivalent and unprecedented “semi-finals” will see the Canadians seek a historic entry into their first ever World Cup final.
The two finalists meet this Friday after two semi-finals full of surprises and unknowns. On the one hand, because Germany returns to the “top 4” despite not having any big stars in its team, and because it now meets the USA, who, “warned” by Lithuania, beat Italy in the quarterfinals with all their might to stop .
In the other semi-final, Canada eliminated who, among other things, Spain – who were still reigning world champions until Sunday – relegated the strong Slovenia under Luka Doncic and did not let the surprising lead of Serbia by Svetislav Pesic slow them down in their best World Cup performance. So there is a lot at stake in both semi-finals.
The United States undoubtedly starts with the greatest favoritism. The Steve Kerr-led team meets Germany (2:40pm Spain) knowing that as long as they keep the pressure on defense and dismantle the German machinery, they’ll be half a foot in the final where they’ll try will regain their lost throne.
Winners of five World Championships, the last in Spain in 2014, the Americans came to this World Championship without any big flashing stars and without a “Dream Team” but nonetheless remain the main contenders for the title, led by Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (17th-19th). .3 points per game).
Of course, Germany is in the semi-finals for the first time since 2002 and is undefeated at this World Cup. Yes, the Germans suffered a lot when they eliminated Latvia (81-79) in the quarterfinals, in a duel in which their great figure, point guard Dennis Schroder, was more than strong with 4/26 shots.
On the other hand, Spanish coach Jordi Fernández’s Canada meets Pesic’s powerful Serbia. Nice bench duel between a young coach who rises from foam to have a franchise in the NBA and an experienced coach affectionately called “grandfather” in Barcelona.
However, the pass to the final is more likely to be on the way. In it, Serbia and Canada (on Friday, 10:45 a.m. Spanish time) are fighting to get into their first World Cup final, judging by the North Americans, and to return there – after a nine-year absence – in the case of the Serbs.
Undoubtedly the most exciting duel will be between the great Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Serbian beacon of this championship. Bogdanovic averages 18.8 points with 4.8 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals, while Gilgeous-Alexander is pretty much all for Canada (25 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.7 steals per game).
