Vidal: "Pride and not lust for revenge drove Spain to victory"

BURGOS (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) – A heart-breaking 92-72 defeat by Slovenia in the FIBA Eurobasket 2017 Semi-Finals was not on Spain’s minds when they faced up to the same opponents in an electrifying FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Qualifier, the team’s guard Sergi Vidal said after the Spaniards ran out 92-84 winners on Sunday.

 
Vidal contributed with a perfect performance as he nailed six three-pointers from seven attempts to finish with 21 points, helping Spain overpower European champions Slovenia in front of a passionate home crowd.

"It was great to win against Slovenia,” Vidal told reporters after a captivating clash. “We were missing important players, so were they, so it wasn't a re-match of the last tournament but it was all about pride. We wanted to win no matter how.”

“We played together as a team in capital letters on both ends of court. We knew individuals had to be left aside to strengthen the group. The team is the only thing that matters.”

“I am a veteran player, experienced after playing in many situations so the coach wanted at least one vet in each position to help in a difficult situation. I tried to help scoring and with my experience."

"Very, very happy, mostly for the youngsters who didn’t get enough respect coming into these qualifiers,” Colom said. “They showed everybody they belong here, they can play and perform at a high level. I am really happy for them and for the outstanding job done by the coaches in such short period of time.”

Spain can now look forward to the winter break after winning both their opening games, having beaten Montenegro on the road before they forced Slovenia into submission.

Colom underlined he was happy with his performance and Spain’s confident start.

“We are 2-0. Not many thought it would be possible. We had a tough schedule playing in Montenegro and against the current champions of Europe. We lacked many hours of training sessions but we gave our best for the team and we managed to win first two games. I felt good playing, I try to help anyway I can, either scoring or delivering plays."

FIBA