SÃO PAULO (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019) — At São Paulo's Wlamir Marques Gymnasium, Brazil achieved an important victory against the Dominican Republic that leaves them at the World Cup’s doorstep. If they defeat Canada in their next match, the Brazilians will already have their ticket to China. It's a dream coming true for the team coached by Croatian native Aleksandar Petrović. The South American team improved their record, 7-2, and remain in Group F’s second place. Meanwhile, the Dominicans descended, 5-4.

It was a different evening, that started with an homage to world champion Waldir Boccardo, who passed away on November 18 in Rio de Janeiro. The show concluded with the best performance by the Brazilian national team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019.

Marquinhos, who didn't defend for the national team since the Olympic Games in Rio, and who scored 13 points, noted: “We had to give two steps to get the qualification. Now there's just one left, and our goal is to win both games. Playing here at the Corinthians’ (home) was very important for us.”

With seven victories and two defeats in Group F, the Brazilian team just need a victory against Canada next Monday — again, at the Wlamir Marques and in front of their people — to seal the deal.

One of Brazil’s key instruments was Leandro Barbosa, who concluded the encounter with 20 points, 16 in the first half: “The last time I played in that stadium I was seven years old. Every day I feel happier and prouder of defending this jersey. What's most important is the victory and now we have to focus on Canada. We have to win that game.”

Lucas Dias, who was essential in that second quarter, and who scored 10 points and 7 rebounds, added: “We knew that it would be a tough game. We had a good efficiency, but we can improve even more and evolve for the next game. We're at home and we want to do our best.”

Anderson Varejão, for his part, analyzed the encounter after its conclusion: “We trained very well for 3 days. This was the first game and the most important thing was to get this victory by this wide margin.”

Brazil will welcome Canada next Monday again at the Corinthians stadium. Meanwhile, the Dominicans will return to the court this Monday to face the Chilean squad at Valdivia’s Antonio Azurmendi Coliseum. Both teams will meet again in Dominican lands on February, during the conclusion of the Americas Qualifiers.

FIBA