MADRID (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Whenever a major upset occurs, those on the losing end are called upon to reflect on their darkest and worst memories to figure out where the most current defeat compares.

For Pau Gasol, Spain's Quarter-Finals loss to France at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup is right on par with the Spaniards being knocked out of the 2004 Olympics in the Final Eight.

"It's a very painful loss. It compares to the loss in Athens in 2004 where we won every game of the championship and we get to the Quarter-Finals being the favourite and lose," Gasol said, recalling Spain's 102-94 defeat to the United States in 2004.

It's unfortunate we didn't play well. We didn't stand up to the challenge. - Gasol

"It's a very disappointing and painful loss. But it's part of the sport unfortunately. The favourites don't always win."

Gasol, who led the team with 17 points, said what's most disappointing is that Spain could have won and kept alive their hopes of winning the title at home.

"We lost a game that could have been ours," said the Spanish leader. 

We had our worst game of the tournament. - Gasol

Gasol also said in no way did Spain underestimate the French, who they beat 88-64 in group play.

"We knew they were going to come out and compete. We just didn't play our best. The rebounding difference (50 to 28 for France) was way too big.  Those are big factors. We didn't underestimate France," he said.

FIBA