Dongguan (China) (AFP)

Serbia, claiming the world title with stars Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdanovic, saw his career at the World Cup basketball stopped by Argentina in the quarterfinals Tuesday in Dongguan (China), while Spain continues his road in the semifinals.

Vice-champion of the world in 2014 in Spain, silver medalist in Rio at the 2016 Olympic Games and second in the Euro-2017, Serbia has come to China for the World Cup with its best players, including Nikola Jokic, " All-Star "of the Denver Nuggets, and Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Sacramento Kings.

In a quarter-final on the attack, Sasha Djordjevic's players were better than they, beaten 97-87. The Argentineans were led by an excellent Luis Scola, 39 years old and still the best scorer of Argentina with 20 points.

The Argentinians were in front of the score over a large part of the meeting, making a definitive gap at the end of the fourth quarter, with Serbs penalized by a drop in accuracy to three points.

Manu Ginobili's orphans, who retired internationally after the 2016 Olympic Games, the Argentineans were not expected at such a party. They had not reached the last square of a World Cup since 2006.

For a place in the final stage that they have not reached since 2002, they will meet the United States or France, which clash in Dongguan Wednesday (13:00 French hours).

The elimination of Serbia is potentially good news for France in the race for qualification for the Tokyo Olympics.

Even in case of a setback against the United States, the Blues could still hope to validate the direct ticket Paris-Tokyo, in case of Czech back against Australia in quarter on Wednesday.

The mini tournament for the 5th place of the World Cup between Serbia, Poland, Czech Republic and France would thus become crucial to seize the second Olympic quota reserved for Europeans.

In the other half of the draw, Spain's Ricky Rubio (19 points), brothers Willy and Juancho Hernangomez and the experienced Rudy Fernandez made a logical comeback against Poland, leading the whole game and only trembling. on rare occasions.

To find the final of the World Cup, which they have not played since their coronation in 2006, the Spaniards will face either Australia or the Czech Republic, last quarterback on Wednesday (15:00 French) in Shanghai.

© 2019 AFP