Toscano: ''The energy the fans bring is vital to our performance against Argentina''

MONTERREY (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers) – Mexico will begin the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Americas Qualifiers with a tough battle against Argentina in the Juan de la Barrera Stadium of Mexico City.

Playing at the Juan de la Barrera already has special meaning for the Mexican National Team, as it was the sight for the team’s win over USA in the June-July window of the Americas. There’s no doubt that the “12 Guerreros” will fight to achieve the same result on September 14 against Argentina.

 
Juan Toscano has been a constant for the Mexicans in Americas Qualifiers and in an interview with FIBA.basketball he stressed the importance the fans will play in the team’s fight for a FIBA Basketball World Cup ticket.

What balance do you make of Mexico’s performance in the first round of the Qualifiers?
I think it was a great balance. We had the chance to play against two very quality teams in Cuba and Puerto Rico, and probably the best team against the USA. We had the chance to see how our team compared against the best of our region and we earned the qualification to the next phase.

What needs to be improved for the start of the Second Round?
I think we improved something on every window. We just have to continue to compete and continue to build our team chemistry.

You will begin the next window with an important game against Argentina. What can we expect from that game?
The game will be a war, obviously. Argentina is a very tough and talented team. We’ve faced them multiple times, they know us, and we know them. The game will come down to execution and who’s the toughest team on the court.

The game against Argentina will be played at the Juan de la Barrera. Can we expect the same environment as the game against USA? How important is the presence of the Mexicans fans in a game against a powerful opponent as Argentina?
Of course. Home court advantage is always important. The energy they bring is very vital to our performance against Argentina. They pick us up when we are down and tired.

Mexico will then travel to Montevideo to face Uruguay. How do you see that game? What can we expect?
Every game will be tough. Just as the Argentina game, this one will be tough as well and probably even tougher with it being on the road. We’ll have to compete.

What needs to happen for Mexico to secure the qualification to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019?
We have to go one game at a time. Get better and learn from each game. And obviously, win games.

FIBA