Reigning Basketball gold medallists not done with yet
August 14th 2008 23:54
Overwhelming - Argentina defended well against Croatia
Argentina has destroyed Croatia with a dream performance of high quality.
It was productively brilliant, the best outing from the reigning gold medallists. Argentina disposed of a rival who in the preview presented themselves as difficult opponents.
With this victory, Argentina has practically qualified for the next stage. Their defence was implacable and the attack was swift, with Nocioni top scoring with 18 points.
On Sunday Argentina play Iran who in theory are the most accessible side in the group.
"The match against Croatia is the most important. If we win, we are practically qualified for the next round" Manu Ginobili said.
The San Antonio star only had one result in his mind. After a solid display in downing Australia, Ginobili knew the game against Croatia would be critical to their chances of defending the gold achieved in Athens.
Ginobili knew his side had to rectify the errors in their debut loss to Lithuania. The premises that needed improving were the intensity in defence, inturn amplify the variety in attack.
But against Croatia, things did not start well.
Despite a two pointer for Houston Rockets man, Scola, Argentina offered little in the opening three minutes. But from then on, the reigning Olympic champions who were led brilliantly by Nocioni played to a level that overwhelmed their European counterparts.
Much was said about the 65% success rate of three pointers by Croatia. Argentina made it their objective to pressure a component that was very important to the Europeans' chances of success.
"It's very hard to maintain that effective percentage", Ginobili said. And he wasn't wrong.
Croatian stars Mark Thomas, Roko-Leni Ukic, and Davor Kus were made to fight hard for any scoring opportunities.
In the end, Croatia finished with a low 16 from 42 double shots and 3 from 15 in triples.
The effort of Chicago Bulls man, Nocioni was decisive. Despite his usual grunt and determination, he finished the match as the top scorer from either side.
He was the flag bearer of Argentina's velocity in defence and the one responsible for restricting Croatia to just 53 points. At times, Argentina showed the form that downed the Dream Team in the semi-final of Athens 2004.
The superiority of Argentina against Croatia effectively ended the lack of form displayed in the opening game against Lithuania. With small steps, the reigning Olympic champions know they are not the worst side in Beijing.
Despite this, Argentina has not yet reached the standard necessary in ending the Dream Team's apparent dominance in Beijing. But for now, Argentina remains the Olympic champions and unless defeated, they remain the side to beat.
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