Czech Republic's Ondrej Balvin (R) reaches for the ball as Greece's Giannis Antetokounmpo (C) looks up during the Basketball World Cup Group K second round game between the Czech Republic and Greece in Shenzhen, September 9, 2019. /VCG Photo
As the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China reaches the more cut-throat quarterfinal stage, all eyes are now on the teams that made the cut to keep their title hopes alive in the blue-ribboned world basketball competition.
With the group stage, classification round and last 16 all already wrapped up, Beijing will cede the spotlight to Shanghai and Dongguan, as those two cities host the quarterfinals over the next couple of nights.
The Czech Republic and Poland storming into the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals while Greece and Russia miss the cut are the only major surprises ahead of the last eight tipping off this evening. That means six of the pre-tournament favorites are still in contention to lift the trophy this weekend.
When defending champions the USA stormed past Brazil 89-73 to close out the round of 16 at the FIBA World Cup, the bracket for the quarterfinals was complete, and two of China's host cities will now be treated to high-level showdowns like Argentina versus Serbia.
Tuesday night's showdown between the Argentines and Serbians will tip off the last eight in Dongguan, followed by Spain taking on Poland in Shanghai. Wednesday's schedule repeats that pattern; the Americans will go up against France before Australia battle the Czech Republic, and many local fans are sticking with their original championship predictions.
USA players celebrate after beating Brazil during FIBA World Cup 2019 Group K match at Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in Shenzhen, September 9, 2019. /VCG Photo
One of the fans in Beijing told CGTN Sports Scene, “I think the USA or Serbia have the biggest chance to win the tournament. Although the USA don't have their top players here this time, they are in good physical condition, have a lot of experience playing in games, and are the top-ranked team in the world. But Serbia also might win the tournament because they've been posting a better margin of victory.”
Another Chinese basketball fan, who has been keenly following the prestigious event anticipating a continuation of the stellar show by the USA, in the quarterfinal and the subsequent stages, said, “Of course, I think the USA will win the tournament. The reason is simple – because they are always powerful in basketball.”
As for the tournament hosts, the Chinese national team bowed out over the weekend with a record of 2-3, and will now try to reach the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, through next year's last chance qualifying competition.
A dejected Chinese fan lamented, “I felt a little bit surprised about China's last defeat because everybody had high expectations for their performance, but they only achieved this result, so it's really a pity.”
“I think it will be much more difficult for them to earn a ticket to the Tokyo Summer Olympics if they don't adjust to their situation and can't maintain a high level of passion,” a die-hard local supporter said.
Nonetheless, while China readjust their plans and look toward next year, it is now time to "win or go home" for the remaining eight World Cup title contenders.