Five must-see U17 Women’s Worlds Group Phase games

ZARAGOZA (2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship) - Every game at the 2016 FIBA U17 Women's World Championship will have an impact on the tournament's final outcome, with some of the clashes in the Group Phase standing out as tantalising match-ups.

Here is a breakdown of five must-see games ahead of the knockout stage.

Beatriz Jordao and Portugal beat Spain in front of 4,000 home fans last summer

Spain v Portugal - Group D - 22 June
The opening day of action in Zaragoza features an array of mouth-watering tussles and arguably none as big as the host nation engage in a derby with a historic note as it will see Portugal step onto the hardwood at a global youth event for the very first time.

Spain will be looking for some payback too and there is no other option but to exact revenge for what was a crushing loss last year at the U16 European Championship Women Semi-Finals. They were flattened 64-44 by Portugal as a staggering 4,000 locals went wild as the home favourites beat their neighbours for the first time and in real style to guarantee a podium finish.

Beatriz Jordao was a thorn in Spanish sides as the center corralled a delightful double-double of 16 points and 14 rebounds and she will again be one of the main thrusts of Portugal’s bid. The teams played each other in friendlies at the end of last year and Spain won, but this will be the real deal.

Spain have a rich heritage to protect and a strong start will be required to spark their bid to reach a third consecutive Final.

Mali stunned Brazil in 2012 to claim a maiden FIBA U17 Women's World Championship win

Brazil v Mali - Group D - 22 June
Another intriguing match-up on the first day in Group D sees African underdogs Mali out to both fly the flag proudly for Africa but continue their run of recording victories at this level.

Mali caused a real stir four years ago when, after 12 successive losses in this tournament stretching back to the inaugural edition in 2010, they shocked Brazil in Amsterdam.

They recorded a history-making 58-51 victory behind 18 points from Mariam Maiga. It went down as the first-ever African success at a FIBA U17 Women's World Championship. Of course Mali were to go and cause even more of a sensation two years ago in Pilsen when they beat European opposition in Italy.

Can they take a third win by coming out on top in Zaragoza? Well, it will be difficult against a Brazil team tipped for big things who famously write historic headlines last year by taking down USA for the first time at the 2015 FIBA Americas Women’s Championship.

Brazil are also hoping to make it third time lucky in terms of trying to ink a maiden Quarter-Final berth and they can’t afford any slip-ups in this early opportunity to assess their credentials against the usual rugged and aggressive approach of Mali.

Lorela Cubaj and Italy will seek to achieve a measure of revenge against Czech Republic

Italy v Czech Republic - Group C - 22 June
This all-European showdown could be something of a classic if last year's Semi-Final in Matosinhos is anything to go by.

Czech Republic managed to win 65-53 and while that might not appear to be particularly gripping, it was a late surge that saw them home and a victory which came in the context of Italy having won all seven previous games. Indeed it would be the only game that Italy would lose and many observers felt they were the best side in the competition.

It therefore sets up a fascinating and high level clash between the sides.

Czech Republic were edged out of a podium finish two years ago on home soil and hopes are high that as European champs, they can put this right when they go to work this time around.

The battle in the paint could be particularly fierce and Italy will feel they can move on from the shock of losing to Mali at the last edition, while in the context of a pool containing favourites USA, many will feel this is the pivotal Group C game.

France finished second at the inaugural FIBA U17 Women's World Championship in 2010 on home soil  

Australia v France - Group B - 25 June
The Sapphires have an ever present record at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship and will probably enter their fourth edition with expectations of reaching the Quarter-Finals. However it is breaking new ground and making it to the Semi-Finals for the first time which would be a bigger accomplishment or Australia.

This is a very attractive fixture because both teams will be expected to challenge for top spot - even if 2015 FIBA Asia U16 Women's Championship winners China could drive a wedge between these two sides.

It is why it is so important and especially for France. They made the Final at the inaugural edition in front of their own fans in Toulouse six years ago but since then have fallen from grace, missing out altogether in 2012 and then only managing eighth place in Pilsen.

Throw in the fact they only just scraped a ticket to this competition and the heat is on head coach Cathy Melain and her players to demonstrate France has more rising stars coming through.

Kia Nurse helped Canada hold off Japan to finish third in 2012

Japan v Canada - Group A - 25 June
This is a clash which will evoke strong memories for those who were present four years ago in Amsterdam when Canada edged out Japan 84-77 to take the last step on the podium.

That was a game which was largely controlled by Kia Nurse, who has since seen her stock and profile rise to astronomical levels with the senior team.

There is every chance that this game could be one which determines the Group A winner as both teams will be fancied to make a push for top spot having finished first and second in their respective continental championships last year.

FIBA