Argentina set their target on Mexico, their rivals at the Semi-Finals

CORDOBA (FIBA AmeriCup 2017) - After a day’s rest that allowed them to recover from their three Group B consecutive games, the Argentine National Team started to practice in the Orfeo Superdome in Cordoba, setting their target on Mexico, their rivals at the FIBA AmeriCup 2017 Semi-Finals.

Just as it happened in 2015 when they faced each other at Semis in the Aztec land, the Argentinians and the Mexicans will clash in search for a spot in the ultimate decisive match. In that occasion, the encounter had an extra value, since it also secured the winners the pass to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. This match of equals will give the victor the qualifying pass to this brand-new continental tournament’s Final.

“We trained again with the intention of correcting some of our defects, while thinking about Mexico; especially when exercising based on some of the behaviors they display in the court,” said Argentine coach Sergio Hernández after the first training session in Cordoba.

Regarding their Semi-Finals rivals, the coach pointed out: “The Mexicans have a significant perimeter and a great offensive potential in Gutiérrez, Cruz and Pérez. Besides, they have big and strong men that are dedicated to their sport, but are not as good with the ball in their hands However, they do show their employ their qualities if they find their spaces. Especially through Mata and his air game; and Hernández, a shooter in the 4 position that has a lot of experience and is essential in key moments.”

About the characteristics of the Aztec team, the Bahia Blanca native coach said: “They are a team that don't run much across the court; they prefer to play half-court.”

Facundo Campazzo, the team’s star player during the first FIBA AmeriCup 2017 round, also talked about Sergio Valdeolmillos’ team's trademark and the Argentines’ way to counter the Mexicans’ virtues: “We know Mexico from a few tournaments back: we've already faced them and we've already suffered them. They’re a really good team. They play with long possessions but at the same time they play with fluidity. We have to cut all of that to mark, since the initial jump ball, our identity,” he stressed.

The Real Madrid player, whose country’s team will play in the Final Four at their own home, added: “Mexico has a guard like Gutiérrez, who always shoots to score and makes the team play very well. Besides him, there are many players that could be decisive in the offense. It’ll be a tough game with a lot of friction and intensity. The team that sets the rhythm has the most chances of winning.”

THE UNFORGETTABLE 2015 ENCOUNTER

The Argentine National Team’s coach also spoke about the Semi-Final battle that took place two years ago. With a record-setting number of 20,020 spectators, Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes was the venue were fans gathered to witness the showdown for a ticket to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“This time around there’s no pressure involved in winning to qualify or losing it all. That’s great. When these tournaments also qualified you to the Olympics, there was so much stress involved that you couldn't think straight. You knew that your chance to go to the Olympics depended on them, because there were no invitations. You were forty minutes away from the possibility. And if you've tasted what it’s like to be in the Games, you never want to be left out again,” he assured.

“Of course, when the moment of the Semi-Finals arrives, it’ll be very similar. The only thing that's different is the atmosphere: now, we’ll play in our country. At that time, we played against more than 20 thousand Mexicans. Argentina and Mexico are two good teams that try to play good basketball. They both deserve to be here at the Cordoba Final Four and both deserve to move on to the Final: but only one will get there,” he concluded.

FIBA