What's coming up? August 27: Eight finals (USA vs Australia)

SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - Giant center Andrew Bogut is urging his Australian team-mates to fight for an entire game on Sunday in a bid to upset the United States in the last 16 of the FIBA World Championship.

Bogut has played a key part in his team qualifying to the final round and is eager to come up against an American side full of players he encounters on a daily basis in the NBA.

The 2.13m Bogut had a team-high 18 points against European champions Greece and was poised to be the hero of that game until the Greeks
hit back with two late three pointers to steal a 72-69 victory.

Brian Goorjian's men did upset Brazil but suffered close defeats against Turkey and Greece. A defeat to Lithuania followed, but their convincing victory over Qatar in their last game in Group C coupled with Lithuania's victory over the Brazilians earned them a place in the next round.

Now the Boomers will have to play the game of their lives to beat the undefeated United States for the first time.

"I know a lot of those guys, but we've got to go out there and play," said Bogut, who plays in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks.

"We can't play a European style or American style, we've got to play Australian style.

"We probably can't pressure them as much because they're so good with the basketball.

"We're going to have to look at film and try to come up with something."

The Americans are certain to apply full court pressure, which will make Aussie point guard CJ Brutton's job all the more challenging.

USA coach Mike Krzyzewski has admitted that he has had to do some research, for the only player he knew in Australia's team was Bogut.

LeBron James and Co will step in Saitama's Super Arena confident of their chances, after five straight wins in Group D against Senegal, Puerto Rico, Italy, China and Slovenia.

They will not underestimate their opponents, with Australia give the Americans a run for their money before conceding an 89-79 defeat at the Athens Olympics.

"I think it is going to be a very competitive game," said James, who was a member of the team in Greece. "The Australians have a pretty good team. I haven't seen them play but we will be watching video.

"We did play against them in 2004 and they play hard. It will be good for us. A good test."

Krzyzewski will have a fresh Dwyane Wade, who was rested in their last group game against Senegal.

By Cindy Garcia-Bennett
FIBA