Game of the Day: Can Latvia progress smoothly?

VALMIERA (2011 FIBA U19 World Championship) - If Argentina are to play like they did on day one then they will have their work cut out for them as they attempt to overcome the highflying tournament hosts, Latvia.
 
Thinking back to Argentina's first two games evokes more unpleasant memories than pleasant with the South Americans lacking options against Australia before needing to do everything in their power to avoid blowing a big third quarter lead against Chinese Taipei.
 
Latvia has also had two difficult matches but at the end the numbers on the scoreboard have provided satisfaction and a sense of jobs well done. First they had a nervous victory over Chinese Taipei followed by an excellent example of teamwork to overcome one of the tournament favorites, Australia. They now find themselves as surprise Group B leaders with victory tonight ensuring them top place in their group.
 
"Argentina is Argentina. They have been and remain one of the best teams in the world. It will not be easy. We need to concentrate like we have for all the other games and if we do this everything will be fine," Latvian point guard Kaspars Vecvagars told fiba.com following his side's win over Australia - indicating that his feet are remaining firmly planted on the ground ahead of today's match up.
 
Argentinean coach Enrique Elias Tolcachier believes another factor should also be taken into consideration ahead of the key match up, citing the crowd as something his team needs to overcome. "We know it is a local team so it will be particularly hard when you factor in the home fans." Yesterday the fans were making their presence known - remaining on their feet for large periods of their side's victory over Australia. With another sold out crowd this evening, the atmosphere once again promises to be electric.
 
Latvian victory today will be even more poignant for two of their players in particular with Janis Timma and Karlis Apsitis both celebrating their 19th birthdays.

FIBA