FIBA World Championship 2019, Argentina - Serbia

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The most exciting matches of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 are about to start, and although we won't see the Lithuanian national team, there will certainly be a lot of good and exciting top-level basketball. The first quarter-finals kick off tomorrow and we'll take a look at the upcoming meeting between Argentina and Serbia, sharing our insights on both teams, their path to this stage and our predictions for this match.

Argentina - Serbia (7,5 - 1,1 betsafe).

Both teams were ranked in the Top 10 before the start of the championship, but the Serbians were definitely rated much higher. Although the Serbian team dominated the whole first round, the defeat against the Spanish team upset the team's plans a bit, and instead of playing Poland, the Serbians not only got to play a stronger opponent, but in case of a victory they will have to play the USA in the semi-finals. Many experts and basketball fans predicted that these two teams would meet in the final, but the situation is as it is, and in order to prove that they have been seen as the team with the best chance of winning the tournament for a long time for a reason, Serbia will have to overcome the US barrier sooner or later. That's all in the next round, and the first challenge for the Serbians is tomorrow, against Argentina.

Key strengths of the teams

These teams play similar fast-paced basketball, but the difference is that the Serbians do it only when they have the chance and mainly against weaker teams, while Argentina tries to use its young and fast defenders and athletic forwards to rush the ball in every match.

When Argentina fails to mount a quick attack and score easy points in the fast break, they set up positional attacks that result in shots at the slightest opportunity. Most of the shots are taken by F. Campazzo (Real Madrid), who is the team's undoubted engine. The veteran L. Scola, who is the best known to all basketball fans, is also often used under the basket. Although he is now 39 years old, the veteran is still there to help his team and far from being a mere extra, Scola has an important role to play and is an important part of the national team.

The Serbian national team plays in a different, more confident and dominant style. With one of the best, if not the best centre in the championship, who can't be stopped 1v1 under the basket by practically anyone, the Serbians are turning the ball over looking for the best shot. A lot of chances are created by pick and rolls with Bogdanovic, who attacks with an incredible 40% from the 3-point area. Although the Serbians had almost no luck in the game against Spain, it would be very naive to expect 2 games in a row.

Key players 

The Argentinian team features the key players L. Scola and F. Campazzo. Campazzo (13 points, 7.2 assists) is the team's engine, who spends most of his time on the court and is also the team's offensive leader. Meanwhile, Scola (17.8 points, 7.4 rebounds) brings calmness and coolness to the game and makes the most of the chances he is given. These players will be the key to the team's success in the upcoming game, but a win against Serbia will also require a good effort from P. Garin, G. Deck and N. Laprovittola.

The most valuable player on the Serbian team, who creates the most chances and makes the most of them, is B. Bogdanovic (20.6 points, 4.8 assists). The tournament's most efficient player not only attacks the basket well, but also proves his ability to assist his teammates in this championship. It is important for the Serbs that Jokić keeps his composure in the face of the strongest battles and doesn't lose his composure because of the referee's whistles, like in the game against Spain. It will also be very important for Micic and Jovic to play well in defence to stop Argentina's agile and quick playmakers.

History between teams

Argentina and Serbia have played against each other only 6 times in official matches. Serbia has won 4 and Argentina 2. The last time the teams played each other was in 2016, when Argentina won 79-74 in a friendly match.

Forecast

Serbia is the clear favourite among bookmakers, with odds of just 1.1 for victory in this match. Given the strengths, experience and top-level capabilities of both teams, it is easy to see why Serbia's chances in this match are so well regarded. With the Argentinian team's main weapon being fast attacks and Campazzo's individual skill in creating chances for his teammates, it is likely to be a very difficult match against Serbia. The Serbians have an excellent defensive backline, where both Jovic and Micic, with their speed, athleticism and height, will make the Argentine defenders toil in every attack. It's hard to imagine how under the basket against N. Jokic, B. Marjanovic and Milutinovic, veteran L. Scola and Eurocup player M. Delia. It is very likely that the Serbs will take care of everything in the first half and will go into the second half just to finish the formalities. Serbia's -12.5 fora with odds of 1.9 is one of the better bets for tomorrow.