MEDELLIN (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) — Venezuela will visit Colombia at Coliseo Iván De Bedout this Sunday in the second date of the second stage of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers. The team coached by Fernando Duró added an important triumph as locals in Barquisimeto against Chile, to raise their record to two victories and one defeat, and about this we spoke to the Argentine coach before tonight’s duel.

“We arrived well at Medellin, with a very high morale and with more days of work. We have a very important game, we know it won't be easy. Colombia reinforced their inside game with Michael Hinestroza and Divier Pérez, where Stalin Ortiz, a historic scorer, is also present. They will give it their all to seek for their first victory at home and we also want to give that important step toward the second phase. We're good, we were able to do a very good training. We keep adding knowledge. There's a good environment for a good game on Sunday,” he commented.

“Colombia didn't do well against Brazil, but that means absolutely nothing. We must go out to do our thing to keep thinking on that World Cup qualification. The positive thing is that we already have a better idea of them. They were able to add several players that weren't in the first window, but we know them,” Fernando Duro (VEN)Fernando Duro (VEN)

“The plan was perfectly executed against Chile. The team was able to defend and score many points. We also had fast-breaks; 18 in total. This victory is important to keep adding with the FIBA World Cup qualification in mind.”

“Four new players began with the National Team (José Bracho, Yohanner Sifontes, Júnior Martínez and José Ascanio), and Luis Carrillo and Gregory Vargas were added after not being in the first window. We only had four days to train and the performances by the new players and the additions are noteworthy. It’s positive because we added new pieces and they assembled very well with those who were already here, so we have more references in the team.”

“We hope to defeat Colombia and win the game,” said in Medellin the Argentine coach before playing his second game and trying to earn another point at these FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers.

FIBA