Morales: "We have to give it our all on the court to keep our qualification dreams alive"
SANTIAGO (FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019) - In the June/July window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Americas Qualifiers 2019, Chile's qualification for the next round will be at stake when they play against Colombia and Venezuela at the city of Valdivia.
Chile overcame Colombia during the first qualifying window, 74-69, in a game that was decided in the final seconds. Colombia will travel to Chilean lands to seek their revenge.
“The key points in the game against Colombia will be to decrease the game's intensity and choose good shots so that they can’t run us in the counter-attack. We have to give it all in the court to keep our qualification dreams alive,” said Chilean point guard, Franco Morales.
“Playing as locals in Valdivia is quite a significant advantage for us because we’ll feel the public's support from the very first second. Up until now, our country has had a great participation, but it wouldn’t be enough if we don't qualify for the next round; and the duel against Colombia will be key,” added Morales, who averages 10.8 points after the first two qualifying windows.
Although the game against Colombia seems to have the outmost importance for the Chilean’s intentions of qualifying to the next round of the Americas Qualifiers, Claudio Jorquera’s team will also face Venezuela, on July 2.
"That all of Chile is supporting and cheering for you... It's something I can’t explain. That's why I really liked this format for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers 2019."Morales
“Venezuela is a continental powerhouse and we know that we have to play a perfect game if we want to give a good surprise,” commented Morales, who plays for the CD Las Animas in Chile’s National League.
“Playing for your country is always a privilege, there's nothing like representing your people at an international level, and what's better than playing in your own country? That all of Chile is supporting and cheering for you... It's something I can’t explain. That's why I really liked this format for the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers 2019,” Morales ended.
FIBA
