Olympics, basketball: common goal, beat Team USA

France (which has already beaten the Americans), Spain, Australia and Slovenia have what it takes for the big dream: let’s get to know them better

From our correspondent Davide Chinellato

July 27
– TOKYO (JAPAN) –

The gold rush is officially open. The basketball tournament starts again tomorrow with much more than a suspicion that Team USA is beatable, as France demonstrated on the first day. Those suitors who on the eve seemed at least a step below Gregg Popovich’s team could instead be so close as to transform the dream of victory into a possible mission. However, Team Usa remains the favorite for the most precious medal, because it has the talent to transform the defeat of the debut into a simple hiccup. But he must quickly understand the lesson of the historic debacle and grow, starting from the second match with Iran on Wednesday at 6.40 am Italian. Because the suitors are ready to take advantage of it. That’s who I am.

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Spain

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The clear victory over Japan on the first day confirmed the strength of Scariolo’s team, reigning world champion. Ricky Rubio, one of those players who transform into the national team compared to when they play in the NBA, is the star of a team that mixes experience and enthusiasm. The leadership of the Gasol brothers (Pau, even though he is 41 years old, remains precious) is a huge added value. Next meeting Thursday at 21 Italian against Argentina.

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Australia

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Italy’s next opponent, tomorrow at 10.20 am in Italy, had applied for gold well before the US debacle with France. The Boomers have long believed that they have a group that is up to par, which after the fourth places in Rio and the 2019 World Cup not only wants a medal, but is aiming for victory. Deep and complete team, with Patty Mills (the best in the victorious debut against Nigeria) capable of playing as a phenomenon with continuity. He and Joe Ingles are the veterans of a group that has optimally integrated a platoon of young people, including Matisse Thybulle.

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France

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Collet’s national team was not among the contenders for medals at the start, but the victory over the USA could turn into a sensational springboard that gives the team enormous confidence. Evan Fournier, a hero with the USA, is not only on the list of NBA wingmen who become stars in the national team, but he is also the one who instills in his teammates the certainty that anything is possible. Confirmations are needed, however, because as the coach said after beating the US, “for us the game now that really matters, which makes us understand who we are, is the one with the Czech Republic”. It will be played tomorrow at 14 Italian.

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Slovenia

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If Luka Doncic is the monster who tore Argentina apart by scoring 48 points in his first game at the Games, anything is possible for Slovenia. Even chasing a victory. Because Luka promise to be phenomenal in a team that he needs to be and that around him he has the right players to exalt him. Slovenia was one of the unknowns on the eve: the way it wiped out Argentina instantly turns it into a loose cannon for medals. With Doncic everything is possible.

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