U20 Men's Games: Sunday 24 July
HELSINKI (FIBA U20 European Championship 2016) – It is the final day of competition at the FIBA U20 European Championship in Helsinki, Finland. Here is what there is to look forward to…
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FINAL
It says a lot about the competition in Helsinki that neither team arrives at the Final unbeaten. This is a third consecutive gold-medal game for Spain at this level, and they have lost the previous two. Lithuania last lifted the trophy in 2012.
THIRD-PLACE GAME
There was to be no fairy-tale ending for this Turkish team that has already won gold at U16 and U18 level. But they face a Germany side they defeated 67-63 back in the Group Phase with a bronze medal at stake. The Germans are aiming to deliver their country’s first European youth medal since 1983.
CLASSIFICATION 5-8
Latvia could yet match their fifth-place finish of 2015, but will meet an Italian team that appears to have now found its offensive rhythm.
Both these teams have been hampered by injuries as the competition has gone on, so whichever side can muster more energy from their remaining players will gain a big advantage in this one.
CLASSIFICATION 9-12
Sweden have produced a couple of impressive performances after falling to Latvia in the Round of 16, but they will come up against a Slovenian side buoyed by defeating the defending champions on Saturday and with Vlatko Cancar on fine form.
Two of the tournament’s more puzzling teams end their campaigns playing for 11th position. Israel were sensational in their opening two games before struggling to repeat such performances while it has been impossible to predict what Serbia will produce from one game to the next.
CLASSIFICATION 13-16
France and Belgium fight for the last remaining place to stay in Division A. France got off the mark by avenging their earlier defeat to Finland with a more assured showing on Saturday while Belgium survived a real scare against Hungary.
The hosts’ first Division A appearance ends with relegation, but it has not been without its memorable moments, most notably wins against France and finalists Spain. They will be desperate to go out on a high, giving their passionate fans something to shout about.
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