The NBA-star-studded United States had a convincing 101-81 victory against defending champion Argentina on Friday’s semifinals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics men’s basketball match to set up a final clash against Spain.
In the earlier semifinal match, world champion Spain defeated Lithuania 91-86.
It was a major upset for Argentina, spearheaded by captain and forward Luis Alberto Scola who scored 28 points during the match. Four years ago, Argentina dashed the U.S. team hope for a final spot by winning 89-81.
“It’s going to be a hard game (against Spain),” said the U.S. forward Carmelo Anthony.
Spanish guard Ricky Rubio said that his team would not be satisfied with a silver. “We will look forward to the gold. This is an Olympic final… We know we have very few chances but we have chances.”
Since the early wistle, the U.S., dubbed as the Dream Team, dominated the game, leading 30-11 in the first quarter. However, the second quarter saw the NBA stars got shaky, allowing the Argentineans, supported by soccer star Maradona in the spectator seat, to tail 40-49 especially with Scola’s shots under the ring.
The Americans regained their domination in the last two quarters, giving fans a great show a la NBA to silence their booes.
“We gave away the first quarter and we paid a very expensive price for that. After that it was an uphill battle, especially after (Emanuel) Ginobili’s injury,” said Argentinean forward Carlos Delfino.
“We didn’t do what we planned and you cannot afford that against a team like the USA.”
The U.S. holds a 19-6 record over Argentina in major international competition. Their most recent meeting was the Americas Olympic qualification in 2007 when the U.S. won 118-81.
With 12 gold medals from their 15 Olympics competition, the U.S. is a favorite to claim the gold Sunday afternoon – hours before the closing ceremony begins.
Meanwhile, Argentina will face Lithuania for the bronze medal playoff.
“We still have a chance to win a medal. That’s what we came here to do. We will not give up now,
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