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July 2017
12 Zala Friskovec (SLO), 6 Aleksandra Kroselj (SLO), SLO vs FRA
16/07/2017
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Final Preview: Spain set to add to golden run as Slovenia search for the upset

MATOSINHOS (FIBA U20 Women's European Championship) - Surprise package Slovenia will bid to land a shock blow to defending champions Spain in the Final of the FIBA U20 Women's European Championship 2017.

Having made history to reach the last four four of the competition, Slovenia now find themselves 40 minutes away from a fairytale maiden title in the wake of a pulsating overtime success in the Semi-Finals against France.

The underdogs will have to create a huge upset if they want to take the top step of the podium, with their opponents appearing in their ninth straight Final and favorites to take a sixth title in seven editions.

But, Slovenia aren't just going to roll over for Spain, a point noted by their standout leader and playmaker Annamaria Prezelj.

She said: "By beating France, we have shown we are a serious team and we are out to give our best, because we have already made history and we believe.

"For a county of our size to be here in the Final is amazing, but I think it was meant to be, since this 1997 generation of ours has been working so hard for so long for this moment.

"But right throughout the team, we can be very proud of what we have done in this tournament. Anyone thinking that we have finished though is wrong, because we will be ready."

Slovenia have prospered with Prezelj, while there have also been pivotal contributions from Larisa Ocvirk, Zala Friskovec and Aleksandra Kroselj.

Meanwhile, Spain have been led superbly by Maria Conde, who already has a FIBA EuroBasket Women 2017 medal in her collection. There have also been rave reviews for center Maria Araujo, who has caught the eye with her great work in the paint.

You can follow Live Updates throughout each game day, watch all of the games for free on the FIBA YouTube channel and follow #FIBAU20Europe across social media.

Spain vs Slovenia

FIBA