Joel Parra, doubtful for the momentous clash against Latvia: “The statistics don’t matter there”
In the world champion’s mind, there is only one thing on her mind: Latvia. The ‘entrants’ of the World Cup are over, Ivory Coast, Brazil and Iran, Spain is playing for a place in the crossroads. That “objective” that they repeat from the national team regularly, although on the field it is clear that they are a medal candidate showing seniority, the youth of Juan Núñez, Usman Garuba or Santi Aldama, and the competitiveness that is not lost at any time.
For Sergio Scariolo’s team, there is only one doubt, Joel Parra. The Catalan player, who started the matches against the Ivory Coast and Iran, has muscle overload in his left leg. He prevented him from training on the auxiliary courts at the Indonesia Arena, and Scariolo confirmed that his availability will not be known until before the clash. His companions, at their best. With Hernangómez, Claver, Llull and Alberto Díaz taking the triples that closed the session. Latvia, dangerous rival
Latvia has less cartel than Spain, of course. Although, the team does not have confidence in being superior. The numbers, favorable to the champion, do not always tell the truth. ” The statistics do not matter. It has a relative weight because we do not play against the same rivals, they against France and Canada. It has a significant weight in their case,” explained Scariolo. Fighting with Latvia will be a war in which the Balts strike from the outside again and again. “A team with a lot of rhythm, they are very well-trained, with a lot of perimeter quality, with shooting ability, tactics and made to put us in difficulty. They also have a sixth man on court with the fans, that gives them one more point”, analyzed the Brescia coach.
The goals are already high. Competing will be more complicated if possible. “The point of importance is very high, almost decisive match. We have players who have experienced it and can advise and reassure in the most difficult moments that due to their competitiveness, strength and quality there will surely be. We will have to see how those who do not react. “They have lived through it so much,” added the Italian.
The key, continue at a high level in the game. Do not fall into the abuse of the boat and the one against one. “You have to know how to transfer that commitment, generosity and lack of selfishness to the field. The effort that requires having to be used to the maximum,” said the leader of the national team from the board. The real World Cup has begun.