FIBA World Cup: Serbia runs past Canada 95-86 and advances to the final | AP News

Serbia Advances to FIBA World Cup Final

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Even without their star player Nikola Jokic, Serbia proved at the FIBA World Cup that they are a force to be reckoned with. Basketball fans were on the edge of their seats throughout this tense semifinal matchup versus Canada as Serbia emerged victorious and booked their trip to the title game.
With 23 points and helping Serbia defeat a tenacious Canadian team by a score of 95-86, Bogdan Bogdanovic emerged as the game’s hero.
Serbia will now play Germany for the coveted World Cup championship thanks to this victory, which brought them back to the final after a nine-year absence.

The Serbian Surge

FIBA World Cup: Serbia runs past Canada 95-86 and advances to the final | AP News

 

Many questioned Serbia’s ability to advance to the World Cup final without Nikola Jokic. The Serbian team, who are renowned for their tenacity and cohesion, though, showed their mettle. Ognjen Dobric and Nikola Milutinov, who each contributed 16 points to the tally, played crucial contributions. Serbia’s flawless shooting throughout the competition, including a stunning 62% field goal percentage in this game, demonstrated their tenacity in winning the gold.

Marko Guduric of Serbia encapsulated the team’s attitude when he said, “It doesn’t matter who’s not here. Everything revolves around this group of men, including everyone there and sporting the Serbian shirt. Never do we give up. We battle to the bitter end. It runs in our family.

Serbia’s Road to the Final

Serbia has qualified for the World Cup final for the second time in the past three competitions thanks to an incredible 6-1 record in the tournament. In 2014, when they played the Americans, they made their previous appearance in the championship game. There will be an exciting matchup in Manila because they will be competing against a strong German team this time.

Considering Serbia’s path to the championship, Filip Petrusev remarked, “We believed, and we’re here.” Their motivation for this incredible endeavor has come from their everlasting faith in God and their strong sense of teamwork.

Canada’s Valiant Effort

Canada's FIBA World Cup run to a title comes to end against Serbia | Toronto Sun

With RJ Barrett at the helm, Canada put up a valiant fight, with Barrett scoring 23 points in their favor. The Canadian team, who were going for their first-ever World Cup final appearance, came up short, but they will now compete with the Americans for the bronze. Despite the team’s defensive issues, Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also contributed significantly.

Serbia was outstanding, and Canada’s coach, Jordi Fernandez, said, “Credit to Serbia. They had a fantastic game. They are really well-trained and disciplined, and they played with a lot of physicality and effort. I have to give them praise for that.

Jokic’s Absence and Serbia’s Resilience

Serbia was able to reorganize and adjust as a result of Nikola Jokic’s choice to sit out this summer after helping the Denver Nuggets win the NBA championship. When backup forward Borisa Simanic suffered a significant injury during the competition, the team encountered difficulties. Serbia’s resolve held strong in the face of these obstacles.

A Medal Dedicated to a Teammate

In honor of Borisa Simanic, who is presently getting better in a hospital in Manila, Marko Guduric dedicated the victory to her. Guduric stated his wish that their injured teammate will enjoy the medal in some little way.

Canada’s Rollercoaster Ride

With an outstanding victory over France, Canada came into the competition as a serious contender. But in the semifinal game, they had trouble with fouls, which made it difficult for them to play defense. Serbia took advantage of these chances, and by halftime, had established a sizable lead that Canada was unable to overtake. Canada now has its sights set on the bronze medal match despite making a spirited attempt.

The Final Showdown

Basketball fans can anticipate an exciting game between two strong teams as Serbia prepares to play Germany in the World Cup championship.The perseverance and cohesion of Serbia’s path have been nothing short of inspirational.

In the end, whether it’s gold or silver for Serbia, they have already achieved something remarkable. Their skill, tenacity, and unbreakable team spirit were on display at the FIBA World Cup.

FAQs

1. Will Nikola Jokic return for future international tournaments?

  • While Jokic sat out this summer, his commitment to Serbia’s national team remains strong. Fans may anticipate seeing him represent their nation in contests in the future.

2. How did Canada perform in previous FIBA World Cup tournaments?

  • Canada’s performance in this tournament was historic, but they have a rich basketball history. The 1936 Berlin Olympics marked their last significant international medal win before this year.

3. What were the key factors in Serbia’s victory over Canada?

  • Serbia’s exceptional shooting, defensive prowess, and team chemistry played crucial roles in their victory over Canada.

4. How does Serbia’s World Cup journey compare to their past performances?

  • Serbia’s return to the World Cup final after a nine-year gap demonstrates their consistent excellence in international basketball.

5. What can we expect from the Serbia vs. Germany final?

  • The final promises to be an intense and closely contested match, with both teams vying for the prestigious FIBA World Cup title.

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