Deja Vu: We've seen these upcoming World Cup matchups before

MIES (Switzerland) - There'll be some déjà vu at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 as teams face familiar foes on the big stage of international hoops.

Every First Round group has at least one game that will bring back memories of an important battle from the past.

Group A
Game: Philippines v Angola
When: August 27
Where: Philippine Arena

The Memory: 2019 World Cup

The Philippines will not have pleasant memories when they square off against Angola on August 27. Gilas suffered an 84-81 overtime defeat to the Africans at the last World Cup, which cost them a spot in the Second Round. 

Group B
Game: Puerto Rico v Serbia
When: August 28
Where: Araneta Coliseum

The Memory: 2019 World Cup

Puerto Rico should avoid watching a replay of their 2019 World Cup beat-down. Otherwise, they won't sleep well. Nikola Jokic had 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in a 90-47 Serbia romp over the Boricuas four years ago.

Group C
Game: Greece v USA
When: August 28
Where: Mall of Asia Arena

The Memory: 2006 World Cup

This is a rematch of the most famous World Cup game since the millennium and for Greek fans, of all time! Remember the 2006 Semi-Final in Japan, when Theo Papaloukas, Sofoklis Schortsanitis and Greece went nuts against the Americans and won, 101-95?!

Group D
Game: Lithuania v Mexico
When: August 27
Where: Mall of Asia Arena

The Memory: 2014 World Cup

When these teams met nine years ago in Gran Canaria, Paco Cruz poured in 21 points for Mexico, who put on an impressive display before falling to Lithuania, 87-74.

Group E
Game: Australia v Germany
When: August 27
Where: Okinawa Arena

The Memory: Tokyo Olympics

Two summers ago Tokyo, Japan, Germany grabbed a 22-15 lead late in the first quarter of their Olympic clash. The Boomers had Pat Mills, though. Game over! He scored 24 points and Australia won, 89-76.

Group F
Game: Georgia v Slovenia
When: August 28
Where: Okinawa Arena

The Memory: FIBA EuroBasket 2011

World Cup debutants Georgia, in their first-ever FIBA EuroBasket appearance in 2011, in Lithuania, trailed Slovenia by just five points with 3:00 remaining but lost, 87-75. Current Georgia stars Tornike Shengelia and Giorgi Shermadini played in the game. Luka Doncic was only 12 - still six years from making his EuroBasket bow.

Group G
Game: Iran v Spain
When: August 30
Where: Indonesia Arena

The Memory: 2019 World Cup

Spain met Iran in the First Round in China four years ago and nearly suffered a major upset. Iran led 63-62 with 3:51 left, and the game was tied until Sergio Llull connected from behind the arc just 1:31 from the end to put Spain on top for good. They padded their lead and won, 73-65.

Group E
Game: Lebanon v France
When: August 29
Where: Indonesia Arena

The Memory: 2006 World Cup

For the French and Lebanese basketball fans, the Cedars' 74-73 triumph over Les Bleus in Japan was a stunner. Lebanon celebrated like there was no tomorrow as it kept alive their hopes of progressing.

FIBA