[QF, Day 1] Game 82/A: FYR of Macedonia - Lithuania

[Robimkd]

Bad news is that Macedonia needed to beat Russia last night, we needed two days rest and instead we will only get one day rest.

I'm not naive, it is obvious it is better to play against Serbia with two days of rest instead of playing against the host with only one day rest against a more rested team but also with 15.000 fans on the stand but also if needed the refs.

Fate wos not on our side last night as Russia pulled out the win with a lucky 3 point buzzer shoot. Feels unfair but that wos our fate and thats that.

Good thing is that our super importent center Todor Gecevski will play despite that he broke his hand against Slovenia.

He will play with special protection.

 

[baelor]

Thegreekmeister and Kalashnikov, of course, rooting for the underdog is a very common thing, but I don't think that it's the case here. 'Cause cheering for Macedonians is a very sensible thing for every unbiased fan (just because of the reason you have put into consideration), but for Lithuanian to say that he likes Macedonia a bit more than Russia as a Lithuania's rival in quarterfinals - in 99% it's very clearly indicates some degree of Russophobia. Because, guys, not only our team is better than Macedonia 'by the names', but also Russia is very uncomfortable for Lithuania as a rival, the fact which was underlined not only in 2007 but also twice in this year's preparatory games. So what this Lithuanian fella wants to say: I think that both Russia and Macedonia are shitty (or so-so) teams, clearly inferior to Lithuania NT, but since Russia NT is slightly better than the Macedonian one I prefer the last one to be our oponent in QF a bit more. Sounds kinda absurd and disparaging (towards Russian NT), doesn't it?

Man... you, russians, have some problems, don't you? Russophobia? What the hell is that? Some kind of 'cold war' sindrome? Noone hates you, get over it

 

[Vazzy]

finally we will get an apportunety to see are fans in Zalgiris arena capable to create green hell no one have ever seen i hope they can

 

[mrQQ]

Thegreekmeister and Kalashnikov, of course, rooting for the underdog is a very common thing, but I don't think that it's the case here. 'Cause cheering for Macedonians is a very sensible thing for every unbiased fan (just because of the reason you have put into consideration), but for Lithuanian to say that he likes Macedonia a bit more than Russia as a Lithuania's rival in quarterfinals - in 99% it's very clearly indicates some degree of Russophobia. Because, guys, not only our team is better than Macedonia 'by the names', but also Russia is very uncomfortable for Lithuania as a rival, the fact which was underlined not only in 2007 but also twice in this year's preparatory games. So what this Lithuanian fella wants to say: I think that both Russia and Macedonia are shitty (or so-so) teams, clearly inferior to Lithuania NT, but since Russia NT is slightly better than the Macedonian one I prefer the last one to be our oponent in QF a bit more. Sounds kinda absurd and disparaging (towards Russian NT), doesn't it?

Sounds kinda Russophobicphobic.

 

[Illegal2k10]

Daaaamn, I really wanted to see LTU-RUS on the QFs. That would have been awesome

This one? its cristal clear to me. If we will have a good shooting day, it will be all over in fashion, if not a thrilling game awaits us.

 

[Afraid]

Thegreekmeister and Kalashnikov, of course, rooting for the underdog is a very common thing, but I don't think that it's the case here. 'Cause cheering for Macedonians is a very sensible thing for every unbiased fan (just because of the reason you have put into consideration), but for Lithuanian to say that he likes Macedonia a bit more than Russia as a Lithuania's rival in quarterfinals - in 99% it's very clearly indicates some degree of Russophobia. Because, guys, not only our team is better than Macedonia 'by the names', but also Russia is very uncomfortable for Lithuania as a rival, the fact which was underlined not only in 2007 but also twice in this year's preparatory games. So what this Lithuanian fella wants to say: I think that both Russia and Macedonia are shitty (or so-so) teams, clearly inferior to Lithuania NT, but since Russia NT is slightly better than the Macedonian one I prefer the last one to be our oponent in QF a bit more. Sounds kinda absurd and disparaging (towards Russian NT), doesn't it?

That is one crazy conspiracy theory, probably craziest ever here on IBN... Are you some old russian history teacher that still lives in a memories of great motherland and have no other idea just how good is to live under this warm iron curtain.. get over it.. older people here in lithuania usually saves the memory of how good, helpful, generous and warm russian people are actually.
Spain NT gets much more hate than yours, but people don't create crazy conspiracy theories, and everyone know that spaniards are one of the friendliest people, but the majority is cheering against them. Does that mean spaniardophobia?

 

[bukefalos]

tough game.
i just vote liths with their home advantage

 

[Hater]

Lithuania +15

 

[pablonis]

Some of you guys really crack me up... Yes, Lithuania is going to win, but only due to home court advantage. Nevermind the far superior roster or coaching, or the more sophisticated game in general.


With all due respect to fighting spirit and determination of FYROMians, the only way i see them having a chance is if they have one of those "Athens/Italy/Semifinal 20 threes from 8 meters" days. Otherwise it won't be even close.

+18 Lithuania

 

[yessuz]

as already proven few times, it's not FYROM, it's F.E.A.R Macedonia

 

[Picek]

Some of you guys really crack me up... Yes, Lithuania is going to win, but only due to home court advantage. Nevermind the far superior roster or coaching, or the more sophisticated game in general.

superior coaching? wtf?

 

[Afraid]

Some of you guys really crack me up... Yes, Lithuania is going to win, but only due to home court advantage. Nevermind the far superior roster or coaching, or the more sophisticated game in general.


With all due respect to fighting spirit and determination of FYROMians, the only way i see them having a chance is if they have one of those "Athens/Italy/Semifinal 20 threes from 8 meters" days. Otherwise it won't be even close.

+18 Lithuania

i think exactly opposite.. Macedonia made it to the quarterfinals playing as a team. This is their strength. Individual leaders can be neutralized, but if you need to neutralize whole team and their team game, it is far more difficult task. I expect some intense battle, and of course hope and think that we will win, but not easily. It is a little sad for me that we have to play against macedonians, because after I read those articles of how people are in love with the game and with their NT, i thought that good results here can make Macedonia a basketball country, and help to establish basketball as their sport no1

 

[Supply&Demand]

With all due respect to fighting spirit and determination of FYROMians, the only way i see them having a chance is if they have one of those "Athens/Italy/Semifinal 20 threes from 8 meters" days. Otherwise it won't be even close.

+18 Lithuania

They said the same for Russia and Greece.

Good thing is that our super importent center Todor Gecevski will play despite that he broke his hand against Slovenia.

Lele... He should only come back if he is able, but I guess he really wants to play.

no chances for the skopians

Luckily McCalebb, Gecevski, and Ilievski are not from Skopje, so if they're on fire we'll do good.

 

[Apollo64]

FYROM plays exactly the type of game that may pose problems for Lithuania. They are really good in defense all around and their decision making in offense is very good too. Lithuania might be the favourites but i think it will be a tight game where anything can happen.

 

[madmax]

We will most probably win, but a lot depends on how our guards are defending and shooting the ball. If they somehow manage to contain Bo and feed Jonas properly in the paint, we will win by 10+. If not, anything could happen

 

[Hyppo]

I honestly see the chances of both teams winning this match even. Lithuania is one of the strongest teams in the European basketball, no doubt. But they have had a fluctuating performance so far. I think they have some issues with consistency and I really can't predict how they will play at this point. They score 100 points against Serbia but they couldn't do anything notable against Spain as they have been far outscored in the match.

On the other hand, Macedonia is the rising power of the tournament. They are definitely in a position to scare their opponents. They're like a bomb ready to explode, you really can't predict what comes out of it. I'm sure the Lithuanian team keep watching recent game footages of the Macedonian team and they are aware that it's gonna be a tough match.

If Lithuania scrutinize the game style of this naive team and take the necessary measures, they'll overcome potential obstacles and win with ease. I see them one step ahead.

 

[Robimkd]

We will most probably win, but a lot depends on how our guards are defending and shooting the ball. If they somehow manage to contain Bo and feed Jonas properly in the paint, we will win by 10+. If not, anything could happen

LTU have no guard that can defend Bo, not one team on this EC has a guard that can defend Bo.

He will cause you problems and the only question is how much.

 

[madmax]

LTU have no guard that can defend Bo, not one team on this EC has a guard that can defend Bo.

He will cause you problems and the only question is how much.

true, and I honestly expect Bo to rape anyone who tries to guard him tomorrow (be it Sharas, Kalnietis, Pocius or Kaukenas). Neither of those players have foot speed and athleticism to stay with him, so there will be plenty of trapping and help defense I suppose. Let's see what game plan our coach implements tomorrow - should be a cracking game

 

[swagger09]

Mancedonia always managed somehow to slow their opponents down till now. But I don't see that happening against crazy run'n'gun Lithuanians. Pero, Bo, Ilievski- they've been playing close to 40 minutes every game, I bet they'll be spitting their lugs out on the floor already in the 3rd q Adding the home crowd, the referees and so on= +15 Lithuania.

 

[THAIMG]

Remember this post. Momentum is pure energy! Lithuania is not Spain.
If Maccaleb keeps it on fire my prediction is +10 at least for fyrom. If not...the rest of fyrom players will be dragged down with him giving Lith's an advandage of +15 points.