2019 FIBA World Cup: Argentina to face Serbia to open quarter-finals

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The Czech Republic and Poland reaching the FIBA World Cup quarter-finals 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. Damion Jones has the details.

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 quarter-finals was complete, and two of China's host cities will now be treated to high-level showdowns like Argentina versus Serbia.

DAMION JONES BEIJING "With the group stage, classification round, and last 16 all wrapped up at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Beijing will cede the spotlight to Shanghai and Dongguan, as those two cities host the quarter-finals over the next couple of nights. Then the action returns to the Chinese capital for the final four, but which teams will still be standing, is anybody's guess."

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 with the Americans going up against France, before Australia battle the Czech Republic, and many local fans are sticking with their original championship predictions.

"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."

"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.

"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 in the upcoming period 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."

And while the PRC readjust their plans and look towards next year, it is now time to "win or go home" for the remaining eight World Cup title contenders. DJ, CGTN, Beijing.