US dream equals nightmare for Argentina
August 23rd 2008 01:55
Still with much to learn - the Dream Team were too strong for Argentina
Argentina tried everything, but the USA outnumbered them in class.
After losing 101-81 to the Dream Team, the reigning Olympic champions are no more and will now have to fight for the bronze medal against Lithuania - the nation Argentina beat in Athens four years ago to claim the gold.
It was really a dream start for the Dream team themselves. San Antonio star Manu Ginobili, who was the leading scorer in the competition heading into the semi-finals, got injured in the first minute of a match that needed his presence if the South Americans were any hope of defending their crown.
His loss was huge, a game breaker for the Argentine's and the tonic for domination for the Dream Team.
Despite the adversity, the reigning Olympic champions stood firm and played with a lot of heart against the most dominant nation in world Basketball.
Not even a shocking first quarter where the US led 30-11, dented Argentina's spirit. The absence of Ginobili was huge and the effort was not going to be enough to stop this dream team from achieving gold.
The 20 point margin was probably a fair reflection of the contest.
Argentina tried hard but their constant fouling in key moments proved costly. Especially against a side that has players rivalling the best Dream Team in history consisting of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley among others.
The Americans looked solid in the second quarter with a 21 point lead. That was until Houston Rockets man Scola provided the spark for an Argentine revival that left the Dream Team feeling some heat heading into the main break.
Although the comeback of the century never eventuated, Scola was the main man from both sides. He top scored with 26 points and 11 rebounds to show the world why he plays in the most illustrious Basketball league in the world.
Scola's performance left Argentina only nine points behind heading into halftime, but that was as close as they would get.
The class of MVP Kobe Bryant told once again as he stamped his authority on crucial moments. LeBron James was also strong as the US eventually garnered their strength to set forth for a gold medal match.
Back in the US, fans will be anticipating the expected triumph of a Dream team that should go all the way against Spain - who are the reigning world champions.
But even the Spaniards themselves face a monumental task in downing arguably one of the most dominant Dream Teams to have set foot in an Olympic tournament.
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