JOHANNESBURG (2010 FIBA World Championship) – Pau Gasol led Spain’s basketball team to their finest hour as the MVP of the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.
 
The seven-footer, fresh off his second consecutive NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers, was on hand to witness his country enjoy another incredible sporting moment in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Sunday night.
 
Gasol, along with world number one tennis player Rafa Nadal, watched Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 in final of the World Cup.
 
"It was an awesome game, thrilling, and I have no words to describe what we have experienced, everything that we shared here in Johannesburg,” Gasol said.
 
“This team has settled a historic debt and gives us all hope to continue ever onwards.
 
“Many thanks to all of ‘La Roja’ for making us smile and making this summer a real celebration!"
 
Spain’s basketball players have been some of the football team’s biggest fans this summer.
 
Juan Carlos Navarro, Fran Vazquez and Ricky Rubio are players of Euroleague champions FC Barcelona – the same club as several of Spain’s football heroes.
 
Jorge Garbajosa, Felipe Reyes and Sergio Llull are on the books of Real Madrid, who also have players in the World Cup-winning squad.
 
Spanish Basketball Federation president Jose Luis Saez saluted the football team.
 
“All of Spain celebrates this great victory,” he said.
 
Spain will try to add to the celebrations when they travel to Turkey for the FIBA World Championship.
 
In the Preliminary Round, they will play in Group D against France, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania and Lebanon.
 
FIBA