Manila, Philippines – Most fans and experts had predicted a North American basketball World Cup final because Teams USA and Canada are both built on NBA stars.
Although Serbia and Germany lack the star power of their rivals, the final will instead be an all-European affair.
On Sunday, Serbia will play in their first FIBA World Cup final since 2002, giving them the chance to win their first gold for 21 years after beating Canada in the semifinals. Germany have reached their first ever final after defeating five-time winners the USA in their maiden semifinal.
“I think European basketball has been on the map of international basketball for a few years,” Spanish basketball great Pau Gasol said at the FIBA World Cup global ambassadors talk show.
“The game has become so global. Players have grown. Players have believed. They’ve gotten better globally, and that’s a credit to a lot of different people.
“It’s great to see two teams from Europe that have earned their way because it’s not easy to beat a talented USA team and a very good Canadian team who have played well the whole tournament.”
Post from www.aljazeera.com