2019 FIBA World Cup: Semi-finals notable for absence of USA & Serbia

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Before tomorrow's fifth and seventh-place games, the FIBA World Cup semi-finals will take the spotlight this evening in Beijing. All four remaining teams came in as legitimate threats to lift the trophy, but many spectators are still talking about a couple of sides that made early exits. Damion Jones reports.

The FIBA World Cup semi-finals will feature Argentina, France, Spain, and Australia -- a lineup that left fans in the courtyard of the Wukesong Arena watching the USA and Serbia tussle in the consolation bracket -- reflecting on what went wrong for two of the pre-tournament favorites.

"I previously predicted the USA would win the trophy, but once they were eliminated, I realized that world basketball has changed a lot recently. The difference between the USA basketball and other countries' basketball is narrowing."

"I think the biggest 'x-factor' has been Luis Scola of Argentina. He used to play for the Houston Rockets and is well-known by Chinese fans. He can still play good basketball as a veteran."

The Argentines won the inaugural edition of this event in 1950, while the Spaniards claimed the title for the first time in 2006. The best French finish was third place five years ago, and the Aussies are making their last four debut, all ensuring a shake-up this weekend in the capital of China.

DAMION JONES BEIJING "Beijing will serve as the hub of activity for the rest of the 2019 FIBA World Cup as the semi-finals and championship contest determine the winning team. Four squads remain but only one can lay claim to bragging rights as representing the top basketball nation on the planet."

And with both the reigning titleholders and returning runners-up knocked out of contention in the round of eight, those following the action, are readjusting their rooting interests.

"My original prediction was that the USA would win the title, but the results really prove that they lack superstars at this event, so now I think France will lift the trophy."

"The two teams I favored were the USA and Serbia, but both of them are now out, and ended up facing each other in a classification game. Now I think Spain will claim the championship."

Friday's semi-finals will feature Spain facing Australia in the early game, before Argentina's clash against France takes over the court for the nightcap. DJ, CGTN, Beijing.