Canada's dream Qualifiers

VALDIVIA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) — The Canadian national team powerfully overcame another stage of the continental qualifiers and their return to the world stage seems to be around the corner.

For the third consecutive window, the Canadians once again demonstrated their supremacy by winning two games and are placed at the top of Group F, with 7-1 in the Americas Qualifiers for China 2019.

Canada has had, perhaps, the longest journey of the teams from the Americas, after traveling to the southernmost point of the continent to defeat Chile after having done their task as locals against Brazil. The North American squad have achieved six consecutive victories, just like Venezuela, and are both now the hottest team in the Americas zone.

This window meant a great challenge for Canada, who used 17 players for their encounters.

We never folded, were always together and proud to be Canadian”, said head coach Roy Rana at the press conference after their victory against Chile.

Canada, who have had 32 players for these Qualifiers, have given leeway to their great offensive and group efforts. After eight dates, and among the 12 national teams that continue in the Qualifiers, Canada lead in points (95.6), field goals (51.3%), two-pointers (63.0%), assists (23.8) and is second in three-pointers (41.2%), third in free throws (71.4%), and is third in less losses (11.1), while also being fourth in rebounds (43.1) and blocks (2.6). A complete performance for a team that in on its way to having a brilliant international future.

The depth of their talent pool has been key for Canada, and that factor will play an important role in the next two windows, when several players will not be available to play.

The North Americans will have their most difficult stage in the Qualifiers when on November 30 they visit Venezuela for a duel to fight for the group's top spot. Then, on December 3, Canada will be at Brazil. If they overcome these tests, their ticket to China will be secure.

The Canadians will conclude their Qualifiers on February of next year with local games against Chile and Venezuela.

Canada have not qualified to a FIBA Basketball World Cup since Turkey 2010.

FIBA