ESP – Amaya plays down Spain chances

MADRID (Olympics) - Spain superstar Amaya Valdemoro believes she and her teammates will have to do something extraordinary to reach the podium at the Beijing Games.

The Spanish won silver at last year’s EuroBasket but didn’t reach the Beijing Games until they defeated Cuba in one of the quarter-finals at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Madrid.

Though the Spanish pushed Russia extremely close in last year’s European final, Valdemoro said: "I see our chances of winning a medal really difficult.

“The favorites are Team USA, Australia and Russia. All of those teams are ahead of the rest, unlike men's basketball where you see more balance.

“But you never know. Someone can always pull off a surprise."

Valdemoro has been two weeks unable to train due to a muscular injury in her right leg but is hopeful of being fit enough to help Spain finish in the top six.

"There's no doubt that Team USA will finish as top of our Group (B), but the second, third and fourth spot will be fought by China, the Czech Republic and us,” she said.

“We have a similar level to those teams and only minor details will determine who finishes second and who finishes fourth in the group."

Spain finished sixth at the Athens Olympics.

"Our aim is to reach at least the quarter-final stages," she said.

The 32-year-old Valdemoro is delighted to have the opportunity to experience the Games for the second time.

"The atmosphere is truly beautiful, it's something special,” she said.

“What is said about the Olympic spirit is true. It's really interesting to live with other athletes from other sports in the Olympic Village, it's something you don't get to do in other competitions."

FIBA