FIBA Basketball World Cup Legend: Joaquim Gomes

MADRID (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - There have been many fine moments for Angola's Joaquim Gomes at FIBA World Championships.

The 2.00m forward was a prominent member of his national team at the events in Indiana, Japan and most recently, Turkey.

Soft spoken off the court, there is nothing quiet about Gomes' play on the hardwood.

He is tenacious, a big man who is relentless on the boards.

Gomes always plays hard on defense and is normally one of Angola's most reliable scorers.

One of his finest tournaments was in 2006 in the Far East, when he rose to the occasion against some of the biggest names in the game.

After a solid showing against New Zealand in Angola's third outing of that World Championship, a 95-73 victory for the Africans in which he poured in 20 points and corralled seven rebounds, Gomes went up against a Spanish side that was loaded with superstars.

Against terrific frontline players like Pau Gasol, Jorge Garbajosa and Felipe Reyes, Gomes more than held his own with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Spain, who would go on to capture the gold medal, prevailed in the encounter, 93-83.

In the next clash with Germany, one of the most exciting ever played at a World Championship, Gomes had 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Germany rode the back of their greatest ever player, Dirk Nowitzki, who poured in 47 points and corralled 16 rebounds in a 108-103 triple overtime triumph.

That result put Angola into a knockout game against France and Les Bleus prevailed in another heartbreaking defeat for the Africans.

Gomes finished with 11 points and seven rebounds but the French won, 68-62.

When it was put to Gomes after the defeat to France that he could leave with his head held high, and that Angola deserved a lot of respect thanks to spirited performances against excellent teams, he became emotional.

"For us coming over here and being able to beat some teams is a great achievement," he said.

"And now the Angolan people have something to talk about.

"I'm really proud of being here and really proud of doing this for the Angolan people."

Four years later and Gomes was at it again at the World Championship in Turkey.

His biggest game allowed Angola to gain revenge against Germany.

Gomes had 16 points and 14 rebounds in a 92-88 victory that ultimately punched Angola's ticket to the next round, and prevented the Germans from advancing.

Still only 32 years of age, Gomes will be looking to lead Angola to the podium at AfroBasket 2013 and into next summer's FIBA Basketball World Cup.

FIBA