FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 – Serbia Canada
The battle for the medals is up next. Serbia and Canada are the first to step onto the stage. Serbia advances to the semifinals after a brilliant performance against Lithuania and excellent preparation by coach Svetislav Pešić and the coaching staff. With such gameplay, Serbia can defeat any opponent. However, they now face the toughest obstacle. Canada is the one carrying the burden of the favorite in this duel, perhaps even more so than should be judged by bookmakers’ predictions. Nevertheless, I firmly stand by the idea that the chances in this match are 50:50.
Why? First, because of what I’ve mentioned, Serbia in their best form is probably the best team in the tournament. Second, Serbia is the team with the best shooting percentage – 55%. Canada is at 50%. And in most other parameters, Serbia is also superior.
Assists: 26.2 vs. 21.8 – Serbia is the best in the tournament
Turnovers: 9.5 vs. 10.7 – Serbia is the best in the tournament
Steals: 9.3 vs. 7.7 – Serbia is the second best in the tournament
Rebounds: 35.2 vs. 38.5
In recent history, Serbia and Canada have met twice. Both times Serbia triumphed, in a friendly match in 2014 – 78:53 and at the Acropolis Cup in 2010 – 62:58. Canada is now stronger than ever, and it’s certain that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates want to win the world title. They have the quality, but Serbia will be their toughest test so far. All eyes are on Gilgeous-Alexander and Bogdan Bogdanović. However, Serbia should have an advantage at the center position with Nikola Milutinov, while Canada has its additional assets in RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks. It was these two who made the difference in the quarterfinal match against Slovenia. Serbia, on the other hand, played as a team against Lithuania, with Bogdan Bogdanović as the leader. But almost all players contributed.
Both teams have one loss each. We’ll find out tomorrow who will have one more and who will advance to the final in the first semifinal match at the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
written by: Mladen Radosavljevic