Group A, Day 1, Germany vs. Argentina

[robbe]

When: 21h30 (GMT+3)
Where: Kayseri
Watch: FIBA TV, Sport1

Plot: Young German team (24.2 years in average) is facing the oldest, most experienced of the whole competition (30.4* years). For Germany, Jagla had a terrific preparation but is now facing one of the best power forwards in the game. Argentina tries to recover from the Nocioni injury setback. None of the young Germans has ever faced a deadly two man weapon like the Prigioni-Scola pick and roll in their career ever before. Learning experience for them.

Big question in Germany is how the young guns have developed. Benzing was criticised by Bauermann for not sticking to his individual workout plan throughout the season. Harris had a spendid season at the four spot in Gonzaga but is not making progress as far as small forward skills go. Pleiss had a breakout season in Bamberg where he emerged as a defensive presence and able pick and roll finisher but still needs to add muscles if he wants to prevent being pushed around like happened last summer. Crazy shooter Schaffartzik - he shot 8/8 vs Greece and 6/6 vs Croatia in Poland - failed to score in double figures in preparation.

Delfino cannot replace Ginobili's exceptional creativity but Argentina still has easily enough quality to reach the semifinals once again. One of the last opportunities for this golden generation of Argentine basketball. And for me personally, 2004 Argentina played the most attractive basketball I've ever seen. Big respect already, let's see if they can gather enough energy for one more push towards the medals.

No sane mind will have high expectations for Germany in this one, but since IBN is full of insane people these days, Germany are runaway favourites 130-1.

*before Nocioni's exclusion.

[asdzas]

Argentina. When the game is serious, they play very hard. Scola will have a huge game.

[CKR13]

Too bad about Andres Nocioni, would have liked to see a former Sacramento Kings playing on the WC.

[eliooo93]

Argentina by 10.

[Straight forward]

Germany always comes up as competitive team, err, since 2001? Jagla seems to be their guy to go and American commentators would be surprised we are even discussing this matchup, but it is safe to say (already) that Germany has a good BB school! One of the most disciplined teams you could find, working as machine all the time. Having some nice young players and Dirk's promises for the next summer, they surely has future. Argentina will grab this one surely, but this might be pretty close.
I was putting Argentina besides USA and Spain (or just after these teams) before Nacioni's injury. I'm not sure about this anymore.

[Saskibaloia]

I was just about to write a whole essay on why I think Argentina will not only win this game but the whole tournament, however, with Nocioni pulling out I can't imagine them going through to the Finals and defeating either Spain or the USA.

Without Manu and Nocioni, the Argentineans have really lost their two best perimeter players. Thus, Delfino and Scola have to really put up a showing for Argentina to repeat their 4th place performance 4 years ago.

[sinobball]

Rooting for Germany, the WC needs some upsets to make it interesting.

[Franz]

I haven't seen too much of Germany in these pre-WC games. However, I will be rooting for them as they are an underdog in this group.

[cardenales]

Argentina is going to missed Nocioni in this World Cup. Still, they r going to beat Germany.

[Federoy]

Series History (official meetings excluding exhibitions):

Argentina vs. Germany: 3-0, ARG

Last Meeting (official or exhibition):

2002 FIBA World Championships; Indianapolis, USA (86-80, ARG)

[dxjayrock2008]

Deutschland/Germany!

[arturcia]

should be interesting match. Germans have a chance to fight for victory, but I think Argentina will win this time. maybe 76 - 70

[PRSURF]

upset alert

[samer_1_2]

Argentina without any doubt. win win by more than 15 points
Germany without Novitsky is nothing

[rocketstar47]

Alemania will win this

[mvblair]

Series History (official meetings excluding exhibitions):

Argentina vs. Germany: 3-0, ARG

Last Meeting (official or exhibition):

2002 FIBA World Championships; Indianapolis, USA (86-80, ARG)

Thanks for the history info. I did not think the 2002 game was that close. I'm kind of surprised, because that Argentina team was so good.

Like Robbe said, I can't imagine any sane person picking German (do you have a fever, RockStar?? ). Even with Nowitsky, Germany can't beat Argentina.

[AirBall]

Germans will fight hard as always, but Argentina is more quality team and will win this time...

[g.g]

I think Germany would put a fight but Argentina should prevail quite comfortably at the end.
Argentina by 10+
I believe that the problems for Argentina would start deepen into the tournament once the fatigue and minor injuries start taking effect.

[Perseus]

Argentina +3

[all_about]

Ginobili is not playing for Argentina and Dirk not playing for Germany. However I predict Argentina winning this game.