Assuming that USA and Spain are unlikely to lose before they reach the semifinals it is imperative that other teams seeking to make the semifinals avoid Spain and USA in the 1/8 and 1/4 stage. Looking at the competition system (http://turkey2010.fiba.com/pages/eng...mpetition.html), it looks like the teams USA and Spain (assuming they finish first in their groups) will face in the 1/8 and 1/4 rounds will be:
USA: 4th place team in Group A and 2nd place team in Group C
Spain: 4th place team in Group C and 2nd place team in Group A
So it is imperative to avoid these four classification spots after the group stage. It is much better for Greece or Turkey, for instance, to finish 3rd in Group C than to finish 2nd. It is much better for Argentina or Serbia to finish 3rd in Group A than to finish 2nd.
I doubt any team will throw a game to avoid facing USA or Spain in the later rounds, but the fact remains that securing 1st place in Groups A and C is critical for the top teams in those groups, if they are to have a good chance of advancing to the semifinals.
USA: 4th place team in Group A and 2nd place team in Group C
Spain: 4th place team in Group C and 2nd place team in Group A
So it is imperative to avoid these four classification spots after the group stage. It is much better for Greece or Turkey, for instance, to finish 3rd in Group C than to finish 2nd. It is much better for Argentina or Serbia to finish 3rd in Group A than to finish 2nd.
I doubt any team will throw a game to avoid facing USA or Spain in the later rounds, but the fact remains that securing 1st place in Groups A and C is critical for the top teams in those groups, if they are to have a good chance of advancing to the semifinals.
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