Group D, day 5, France vs. Lithuania

[Gytaz2]

Both teams are coming from hard games to fight for the first place of group D. It's going to be an interesting match. Lithuanians should be on a roll after a great comeback against Spain.

Game time: 21:00 GMT+3
Host city: Izmir

 

[kecal2]

I haven't seen France play yet, but my gut says we'll win against them. I was sure about it even before win against Spain. As a general rule, Lithuanian teams like to play against athletic teams that do not have many solid 3point shooters. We know how to depend under the basket, it's 3pointers (well, and some stupid mistakes) that usually kill us...

Kemzūra needs "to park some busses" under the basket now , and the French won't come through...

 

[raph2]

Yep, we can expect a bunch of zone defense from your part, especially after what your coach have seen during france-canada. Most of the time canadians were using it, and we were struggling to find the opening in the key.

On the other hand we have forwards that have the level to spread your defense & make the game interesting. That and (imo) a deeper bench. Add on top of that a nice match up between diaw and kleiza ^^

I just hope you won't wake up for the 3's against us (considering your current percentage quite low for your nt).

Bunch of young prospects/players to watch at least on both sides.

 

[Test2]

Offtopic quick question: are the rules in this WC new? is it new three pointer line?

 

[Gytaz2]

I just hope you won't wake up for the 3's against us (considering your current percentage quite low for your nt).

Well, we can't keep missing forever. So far the only teams which have a worse 3 point % are Jordan, Iran and Cote d'Ivoire. I think this will be the game when the threes finally start to fall.

 

[SYTEM FAILURE2]

I say Lithuania. I haven't seen France play either.

 

[sashikas2]

Offtopic quick question: are the rules in this WC new? is it new three pointer line?

This is the last tournament played according to the old rules

 

[raph2]

Offtopic quick question: are the rules in this WC new? is it new three pointer line?

No. The form of the key should be an answer btw. They implement a rectangular zone for the 3 second calls.

All will be in effect after these wolrd championship (men & women).

 

[CKR132]

Voted for Lithuania

 

[Hepcat2]

France beat both Spain and Canada more decisively than did Lithuania - but I'm going with Lithuania's deeper basketball tradition.

 

[toxmarius2]

Well needless to say I root for LITHUANIA go Green tank

 

[sashikas2]

Judging from yesterday's aftermatch interviews, Lithuanian players are not into searching for easy or more suitable opponents in knock-out stages, and their aim is the first place in the group. After the team has shown their cojones two games in a row, I would say, they should win tonight.

 

[arturcia2]

heart says we'll win, but common sense tells not to underestimate rivals. We had trouble with the athletic Canadian team. France is even stronger team. if we finally begin to hit three-point, we can win.

 

[Frosties2]

I have seen both teams. I think Lithuania will win. Basically they must be full of confidence right now after their victory yesterday. France has a good team but they have some issues playing steady games... if you let them run, you are dommed. They almost lost to a terrible Spain in the first game.

I think Lithuania will get his one. But I am afraid the game will be a bad one. 73 69 for the greens.

 

[Dreamcatcher2]

I don't know if the teams are going to play 100% in order to win this game. There is no difference whether to have 1st or 2nd place in the group, cause there is no difference whether to play against Russia or China in 1/8. But looking fot the future (with the success in 1/8, 1/4) 1/2 against USA looks badly for the 1st place here.

 

[Frosties2]

I don't know if the teams are going to paly 100% in order to win this game. There is no difference whether to havw 1st or 2nd place in the group, cause there is no difference whether to play against Russia or China in 1/8. But looking fot the future (with the success in 1/8, 1/4) 1/2 against USA looks badly for the 1st place here.

Umm, yep, but just winning ensures you first spot for real. Loosing could mean finnishing either 2nd or 3rd. And that third place means Greece 1/8 finals and US 1/4 finals...

Spain has lost to both but by 6 and 3 points difference and Lithuania and France have not smashed Canada or NZ either... whilst Spain has a +17 with NZ.

 

[Dreamcatcher2]

Umm, yep, but just winning ensures you first spot for real. Loosing could mean finnishing either 2nd or 3rd. And that third place means Greece 1/8 finals and US 1/4 finals...

Spain has lost to both but by 6 and 3 points difference and Lithuania and France have not smashed Canada or NZ either... whilst Spain has a +17 with NZ.

How can Lithuania take the 3rd place in the group

 

[Lietuvis2]

Umm, yep, but just winning ensures you first spot for real. Loosing could mean finnishing either 2nd or 3rd. And that third place means Greece 1/8 finals and US 1/4 finals...

Spain has lost to both but by 6 and 3 points difference and Lithuania and France have not smashed Canada or NZ either... whilst Spain has a +17 with NZ.

France 3-0
Lithuania 3-0
Spain 1-2
NZ 1-2
Lebanon 1-2
Canada 0-3

If Lithuania loses last 2 games they will still finish 2nd as their record will be 3-2 which will be same as Spains. Then what is decided is the record between the teams tied and as Lithuania beat Spain they finish above them.

Same goes with NZ if the beat Spain etc and points differential only comes into play after October 2010.

I cant see how Lithuania can finish now lower than second.

 

[Frosties2]

France 3-0
Lithuania 3-0
Spain 1-2
NZ 1-2
Lebanon 1-2
Canada 0-3

If Lithuania loses last 2 games they will still finish 2nd as their record will be 3-2 which will be same as Spains. Then what is decided is the record between the teams tied and as Lithuania beat Spain they finish above them.

Same goes with NZ if the beat Spain etc and points differential only comes into play after October 2010.

I cant see how Lithuania can finish now lower than second.

Yes, you are right. My mistake.

 

[Frosties2]

Yes, the only possible combination would be
Lit 5-0
Spa, NZ, Fra 3-2

In that case I have no idea who would go second...