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06 - 21
August 2016
13 Miroslav Raduljica (SRB)
20/08/2016
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Serbian stars not scared of facing the USA in the Final

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - If there is one common denominator among Serbian players heading to Sundays' Final against the USA, it is their self-confidence.

Serbia obliterated Australia 87-61 in Friday's second Semi-Final to set-up a 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup Final rematch against the reigning Olympic champions, the USA. 

Stefan Markovic admits that fear betrayed them in a 94-91 loss to the Americans in the Group Phase, and Miroslav Raduljica believes none is unbeatable. 


Markovic and Raduljica echo the Serbian's confidence ahead of the Rio Olympics Final

Even though Serbia have never beaten the USA, they look at the Rio Olympics Final as a possible game-changer.  

“They are one of the best teams in the world," Markovic said. “In the first game [in the Preliminary-Round], we started a little bit scared, but we have learned that you can’t play against them if you are scared. We just need to go out there and play our game."

Raduljica is familiar to the Americans. The former Milwaukee Bucks center not only dominated the paint against the USA in the Preliminary Round to go with 18 points, but he also felt that they could have done a lot better.

“It’s exciting for us to play them again," the seven-footer said. "We have already shown that we can matchup against them, and we feel they are not unbeatable. That’s what we are gonna do in the Final. Anything is possible in the Final."

Markovic was asked where they would get elements to upset in the Americans who are chasing their third straight Olympics gold medal.

“We are mentally strong," he said.

"Our coach gives us his mentality. We always want to achieve more and more. When he came to the national team. We are going to the final to fight against the Americans no matter what."

FIBA