The day after Uruguay's historic feat
GOIANIA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) - The Uruguay National Team managed a historic feat yesterday against Argentina, by winning as visitors (88-83), and for the first time in official games, in the first game of the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers. And so, they began their path to continue undefeated and as the sole leaders of Group A.
The Uruguayan captain, Bruno Fitipaldo, was essential in the team's comeback and ended the game as its greatest scorer, with 25 points.
“I feel an enormous joy. What we did took a big effort. I, for example, had to travel many miles to play for Uruguay, but this triumph makes it all worth it.”Bruno Fitipaldo (URU)
“Without a doubt, the game’s key moment was the second quarter. The bench brought the game. Without them it would've been impossible because, if we got to half-time with 10 points or more in the disadvantage, we were out. I congratulate the whole bench because they did a phenomenal job. We all contributed, both the starters and the ones that came from the bench.”
There was an avalanche of reactions in social media; both fans and players expressed their joy. Veteran center Esteban Batista authored 17 points (11 during the last quarter) and took to social media to say: “There’s nothing more beautiful than living these moments with our Uruguayan team which we're all proud of!”
Small forward Sebastián Vázquez added: “Each player found their moment, we found the hoop at the end and defended very hard. It was incredible because we know what it means to win here. I'm very happy to still be a part of this, and also of everything I'm being a part of personally. Now we must enjoy a bit and on Monday play firmly against Panama.”
“I'm young and this triumph has a great impact. It's truly impressive. We felt that it was our moment. Many of us are at a great level and we knew how to use it in our favor. There’s a great combination in this roster and we really wanted to win. This is one of the most important triumphs of my career and I feel an impressive amount of joy.”Santiago Vidal (URU)
FIBA
