ESP – Gasol likes the idea of facing Argentina in Olympic final

BUENOS AIRES (Olympics) - Pau Gasol has spoken of his wish to face Argentina in the gold medal game at this summer’s Olympics.

The South Americans won gold at the Athens Games while two years later, Spain beat them in the semi-finals of the FIBA World Championship before defeating Greece in the title game.

Gasol told Argentinian newspaper Clarin: “I would sign a paper if I am proposed an Olympic final between Spain and Argentina. It would be a very even game as the game at the World Championship was two years ago.

”I truly don’t know what Spain would have to do to beat Argentina, though. We are two very even teams. To beat them, we should play with tension, all players must be at 100% and play tough defense, fast attacking and send the ball into the basket.”

“I hope we can play the gold medal game, but we must pass several obstacles before reaching the eventual decisive match.”

Indeed, one of those obstacles is the United States, who beat Spain 102-94 in the quarter-finals in Greece.

Gasol, 27, said: “The Olympic Games will be very even.

“The United States are the big favorites to take gold.

“However, they have recently proved they are not invincible at all.”

“Argentina, Greece, Russia, Lithuania, Spain will be the national teams to fight for the medals, but there is always a surprise.

“Argentina and Spain have proved they are nowadays the best two national teams in the world. Both have clinched the best results, but we cannot guess what will happen in the future.”

“Argentina already have a gold medal. We’ll see if we can take it this year.”

FIBA