OLYW - Key battle of Americas rivals on the cards

LONDON (Olympics) - Canada and Brazil have exchanged blows many times in the past, and the two FIBA Americas sides will do so again at the Olympics on Friday with a lot riding on the outcome.

The Canadians, edged out by France 64-60 on Wednesday, are now 1-2 in Group B and needing to win at least one game and maybe two to reach Quarter-Finals.

Brazil, the FIBA Americas Champions and number six team in the FIBA World Rankings for Women, are 0-3 after defeats to France, Russia and Australia.

“We have a great rivalry with Brazil, just because we're from the Americas,” Canada coach Allison McNeill said.

“We didn't get to play against them last year (at the FIBA Americas Championship) because we lost to Argentina in the Semis but they have tremendous athleticism and length and we're going to try and make it our kind of game.

“And if we can do that, we feel they're definitely a team that we can beat.

“But it's going to have to be our kind of game.

“If it gets to up and down, too athletic, we could be in trouble.

“But we've been pretty good about getting it into our kind of game.”

Brazil guard Karla Costa says all is not lost despite Brazil’s tough start.

“I think we just have to think about winning our next game against Canada,” she said.

“We need to rest well.”

Brazil coach Luis Tarallo cut a downcast figure after his team’s third consecutive setback.

“We knew our schedule was going to be very hard,” he said.

“First we played against France, then Russia and Australia.

“But I think that our team knows how to deal with the defeat and now we’re going to rest and give our best in the next game.

“Canada is a great team and they have been having a great Olympic tournament. It’s a young team, but with experience. I think that we can make the difference, win the game.”

FIBA