BRNO (Czechia) - There are plenty of all-consuming reasons to be positive for each and every nation preparing to take to the court in Group D of the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025.
From the love the locals will give Czechia, to the fast and fearless style of Japan, the tradition of Spain and its connection to this competition - plus a resurgent Argentina who took FIBA U18 Women's AmeriCup 2024 bronze.
The Favorite: Spain
Even if Spain won't have a couple of their highest profile stars available after they played with the senior team at FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 (a sign of their success and progress), they still look like being the team to beat.
Runners-up in 2023, this class might not ultimately live up to that crazy run in the Spanish capital last time. But, they'll bring the noise in this group phase with their defensive DNA and maybe Ines Sotelo taking a leadership role.
The Underdog: Argentina
Argentina played well at U18 last year and having taken the third podium step, it looked like it might provide a platform for a good run at this year's tournament. However, they might not have their full quote of stars available and that changes the dimension of what is realistically possible.
They might justifiably argue about being branded as underdogs because they can still breathe fire when they take to the court and will not be fazed by anyone they face. Watch for Melena Maggi and Milagros Morell fueling them.
The Pivotal Game: Czechia v Japan
This is going to be one of the many games to look out for in the group phase, since the home fans will make it a great atmosphere for Czechia as they look to make positive waves on their own court. They will have to figure out a way to slow down the relentless and frenetic tempo of Japan.
This clash of styles will be fascinating - with the Asian side looking to launch from long-range at any opportunity. Kokora Tanaka finished as the second-best scorer of FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup 2024 with 19 points per game as she helped Japan win bronze - so they might enter as slight favorites.
More
Looking for more about the teams in Group D? Check out why your nation could win the tournament.
FIBA