• Chronicle.Argentina, in its splendor (97-87)
  • Chaos: the odyssey of three Spanish journalists

The cry of Patricio Garino yesterday in Dongguan represented the joy of all of Argentina, a country that clings to the basket when football does not measure up. "The greatest thing about this team is self-love, believing in oneself and in the group," the eaves of Baskonia revealed after wiping away the tears of triumph against Serbia (97-87). His 15 points, with three triples, helped the offensive festival, although even more decisive was his contribution back on Bogdan Bogdanovic, forced too many times to bad throws. However, in the Duck's speech, as always in that locker room, the "I" was relegated to the "we."

«The greatest thing this team has is self-esteem. We respect everyone, but we will not allow anyone to pass us by, ”Garino foresaw, not to mention the United States, that today (1:00 p.m.) he must win his semi-final place against France. The intrepid brazenness of this Albiceleste is worthy heir of the one who so many years wore the Golden Generation, world runner-up in 2002 and Olympic gold in Athens 2004.

With total security, Garino, 26, will never shine in a tournament like Manu Ginobili. Probably, Gabriel Deck, 24, also does not reach the level of Andrés Nocioni; nor Luca Vildoza, 24, Carlos Delfino's. In spite of everything, these familiar faces of the Spanish fans draw the new horizon of Argentina, an always fearsome adversary at this stage of the tournament.

"Six months ago I could not wear a shirt or training and now I'm playing a World Cup," recalled Garino last week. In Vitoria he had linked a right knee injury with another muscle in the hamstrings. At the orders of Pablo Laso, winter was not benign for Deck, who lost the favor of Pablo Laso in Madrid. Only Vildoza really took off in a season that still amazes the most demanding Baskonists. Yesterday, the last two contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively. Not that they were better than Nemanja Bjelica or Vasilije Micic. They simply believed it with total firmness.

17 years later

«We know that we are not big or athletic. So we have to play intelligently with the spaces, the times, with blocking and continuation and cuts in-out », said Sergio Hernández yesterday, top technical manager of this team since 2015. Its beginnings, marked by the traumatic hangover of the World Cup in Spain, they were not exactly encouraging. After the Rio Games, when he saw Ginobili, Nocioni or Delfino leave, he had no choice but to formalize the relay.

On Sunday, 17 years had passed since the defeat in the World Cup final against Yugoslavia and yesterday, the new litter decided to complete the rematch against the Plavi heirs. A few days earlier, the veterans, with Scola in front, had also shared their memories of the feat before the United States in the second phase of that Indianapolis tournament (87-80). That combined, directed by George Karl and Gregg Popovich, had Paul Pierce, Jermaine O'Neal, Reggie Miller or Ben Wallace. Today, the payroll of 12 Popovich players can be considered, being generous, comparable. France is today another demanding exam.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

Know more

  • sports
  • basketball
  • Basketball World Cup 2019

BasketballSerbia and Italy warn Spain

Basketball World Cup 2019 Spain begins its journey in China in an exotic group

Basketball "Llull's" two tangerines "and renewed strength after his ordeal