Its On - USA v Argentina - AKA Whottttttttttt does Argentina

[MannyIsGod]

All good things come to an end.

138-72 US over Argentina - DISCUSS.

[T Park]

Its over before it even begins.....

[G-Nob]

Argie not as strong this time around. Lithu has a better chance of knockin USA out I think.

[angel_luv]

Go Argentina.

Bring the gold home, Oberto and Manu- Obi and Ginobili! :)

Bring your best games though. You'll need it. :)

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

USA shall deliver an old fashioned stomping.

USA 129
Arg 78

[T Park]

USA shall deliver an old fashioned stomping.

USA 129
Arg 78


Team America.

Fuck yeah :smokin

[Extra Stout]

Go Argentina.

Bring the gold home, Oberto and Manu- Obi and Ginobili! :)

Bring your best games though. You'll need it. :)
ICE would like to ask you some questions.

[ThunderStix®]

I didn't get to see the Argentina/Greece game. What was the ending like?


Just want to say...

BEAT ARGENTINA!

[alamo50]

Argentina beats US in OT.

[ThunderStix®]

Argentina beats US in OT.

Blasphemy. :lol

[angel_luv]

ICE would like to ask you some questions.

Bring it then. :)

[Anti.Hero]

Can't wait for RappingManu after Team USA gets stomped.


Manu with 62. You heard it here first.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

I love this. Its 2004 all over again. The US as cocky as ever, and us the 100 to 1 underdogs. Just remember, the bigger the ego, the tastier the crow.

[FromWayDowntown]

Kobe defends Manu. Manu scores 16 points but Argentina loses by a wide margin.

Doug Collins actually runs out of breath as he proclaims Kobe Bryant the best defensive player in the history of the game.

[Magic_Johnson]

Kobe defends Manu. Manu scores 16 points but Argentina loses by a wide margin.

Doug Collins actually runs out of breath as he proclaims Kobe Bryant the best defensive player in the history of the game.

kobe is an overrated defender.
Manu will drop 30 pts on him

[MoSpur]

Kobe defends Manu. Manu scores 16 points but Argentina loses by a wide margin.

Doug Collins actually runs out of breath as he proclaims Kobe Bryant the best defensive player in the history of the game.


:lol Good one. I cannot stand Doug Collins.

Its going to be close the first three quarters, but the USA will pull away late in the third and onto the fourth. I think it will be US 99 Argentina 81.

However, I will not be surprised if Argentina wins. I doubt it, but wouldn't be surprised.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Kobe defends Manu. Manu scores 16 points but Argentina loses by a wide margin.

Doug Collins actually runs out of breath as he proclaims Kobe Bryant the best defensive player in the history of the game.

:lol



I actually think Manu will score 20+ and that the game will be fairly close throughout with the U.S. winning by 15 or so.

[stretch]

I love this. Its 2004 all over again. The US as cocky as ever, and us the 100 to 1 underdogs. Just remember, the bigger the ego, the tastier the crow.

lol scared

[samikeyp]

I love this. Its 2004 all over again. The US as cocky as ever, and us the 100 to 1 underdogs. Just remember, the bigger the ego, the tastier the crow.

You must mean the fans because the team hasn't said anything that I have heard.

[MannyIsGod]

I love this. Its 2004 all over again. The US as cocky as ever, and us the 100 to 1 underdogs. Just remember, the bigger the ego, the tastier the crow.

WTF does it matter how cocky I am? I'm not going to throw on a jersey and walk onto the court.

We will crush you.

[MannyIsGod]

Argentina is about to get knocked the fuck out

http://www.billdetucci.com/images/rocky_soundtrack.jpg

[Texas_Ranger]

Manu 98 - 97 usa

[MaNuMaNiAc]

ofcourse I'm talking about the fans, and WTF does it matter whether or not you're going to throw on a jersey and walk onto the court??

My point is the more shit you talk, the more it stings when shit don't go your way.

[samikeyp]

ofcourse I'm talking about the fans, and WTF does it matter whether or not you're going to throw on a jersey and walk onto the court??

My point is the more shit you talk, the more it stings when shit don't go your way.

Agreed...and it works both ways which is what makes it fun. :)

[ThunderStix®]

I love this. Its 2004 all over again. The US as cocky as ever, and us the 100 to 1 underdogs. Just remember, the bigger the ego, the tastier the crow.

I know how good Ginobili is, and I have appropriate fear of the Argentina, I just want the U.S. to beat them really bad.

[MannyIsGod]

ofcourse I'm talking about the fans, and WTF does it matter whether or not you're going to throw on a jersey and walk onto the court??

My point is the more shit you talk, the more it stings when shit don't go your way.

http://msnbcmedia2.msn.com/j/apmegasports/200709021929701659434-pf.hmedium.jpg

Get used to seeing this.

MANU TELL ME HOW HIS ASS TASTE.

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Agreed...and it works both ways. :)

:lol see many Argie fans talking shit around here?

[MannyIsGod]

:lol see many Argie fans talking shit around here?

Oh please bitch. Are you going to act like the past four years didn't happen?

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Granted, I understand why people here are so confident. I'm not trying to say its a bad thing. This is not a guilt trip. By all means talk shit, it'll be so much sweeter when we manage to pull an upset.

[Sense]

Stop kidding yourself....

the whole point of this team is to make sure they don't sleep on teams...

USA will win by a lot

[MaNuMaNiAc]

Oh please bitch. Are you going to act like the past four years didn't happen?

:lol good point

[samikeyp]

:lol see many Argie fans talking shit around here?

Just you. :)

But again, that is what makes it fun.

[vanvannen]

Argentina will take a terrible beating. The players know it, the fans know it, the media knows it. It's just a matter of time.
I just wish Team USA beats the hell out of the spaniards as well, cause what I've been reading in their papers is just crazy.
They even wrote they let Team USA win in the first rounds so they would stomp them in the finals.

What I don't get is why is it such a big deal to some posters to destroy Argentina. It's just logic, this Team USA is just too talented for any other team in the tournament. They should win no matter who the oponent is.

[samikeyp]

I think you will see something similar to today. Argentina will be very competitive but the US pulls away in the second half. I don't think to the tune of a 30pt win though. I still say 15-20.

[lefty]

Oberto will score 45 pts, grab 19 rebounds, and Argentina beats USA 75-73 :wow

[Gino]

Who's Argentina?

What continent is that on?

[v2freak]

When do they play? Also, I can't seem to find coverage of the US team. Only time I see them is when Kobe and LeBron are watching other events.

[lefty]

:lol
When do they play? Also, I can't seem to find coverage of the US team. Only time I see them is when Kobe and LeBron are watching other events.

They are not watching other events, they are on the bench during garbage time

[ducks]

Argentina beats US in OT.

at what
flopping

[MannyIsGod]

GET SOME DUCKS

GET SOME!!!!!


lol

[Sense]

at what
flopping

rofl!

[T Park]

:lmao

I think the only time Ducks is united with us in manu hating.



Your goin down Fabricio.

Get a haircut.

[beirmeistr]

It goes without saying that the US team will be heavily favored against Argentina, so the outcome of this game is somewhat obvious. It is no shame to lose to the multi-talented US squad. My question is---do the Argentines lose all hope of a bronze if they lose---do they go home?

[BWS-1994]

Payback time in mind for LBJ and D-Wade. That will be enough fuel for Team USA.

[vanvannen]

I predict an old fashioned US beating with Manu being very well guarded and Scola getting hammered consistently on the low block.
Delfino will probably go back to his usual inconsistent self, Nocioni will be ejected and the other Argies will be irrelevant.

It's a shame this takes place in the semifinals, I would have loved Argentina to beat Spain and then going against Team USA for the gold.

[xtremesteven33]

i predict an NBA like pace of the game. starts off slow, then slowly picks up pace.

dont look for TA to do anything flashy. look for them to struggle at first trying not to lose the game rather than playing to win it.

i think this game will be a lot closer than people think. its not like TA isnt familiar with the style of play of team USA. what helps argentina is thier good defensive stances they make.

silly fouls,TO's and not getting defensive boards will put them in a deep hole really fast.

all in all, TA has to play a nearly PERFECT game to beat this team.



OLE, OLE, OLE, OLE!!!

[beirmeistr]

If Argentina loses against the US, will they play the loser of Spain/Lithuania for the bronze medal?

[polandprzem]

usa still in the turnament?

[baseline bum]

I'm going for Argentina, but damn, Team USA is legit.

[mytespurs]

This USA team is too talented & more importantly, too focused. They are on a mission. I expect USA to win; it would be shocking if they don't....though I think Argentina may give them their toughest competiton yet. Still, USA by double digits over Argentina.

I hope Manu plays well. :king

[Sp Ginobili 20]

Damnit! I have school during the game!

[J.T.]

Fuck Argentina and Manu Ginobili.

[T Park]

usa still in the turnament?


About to win gold fucka.

[polandprzem]

About to win gold fucka.


What a douche

[Ginofan]

I love Manu to pieces BUT I'm a fucking AMERICAN!!! USA ALL THE WAY!!!



http://www.ezthemes.com/previews/a/americanpatriots.jpg

[xtremesteven33]

i just cant root for a team that has the best of the best. it SEEMS unfair.

(and no it doesnt reflect ones dedication or patriotism to ones country)

plus i would love to see all the media panic when thier "dream team" loses again...haha

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

WTF does it matter how cocky I am? I'm not going to throw on a jersey and walk onto the court.

We will crush you.


:wtf Mexico didn't make it to the Olympic Basketball Tournament...

[Spurtacus]

Redemption!

[Sp Ginobili 20]

Does anyone know if they'll replay the game later in the day or on some website?

[ducks]

look at your tv guide on your tv
no one knows where you live

[MannyIsGod]

:wtf Mexico didn't make it to the Olympic Basketball Tournament...

I wasn't aware Texas was still part of Mexico.:wtf

I'm sure you're going to have to drink heavily to endure the beating that your nation's team is about to take, but did you have to start 2 days early? Damn.

[Ronaldo McDonald]

I hope Argentina wins. I don't like a lot of the players representing team USA, enough of them. Plus, I always go for the underdog.

[Manu'sMagicalLeftHand]

I wasn't aware Texas was still part of Mexico.:wtf

I'm sure you're going to have to drink heavily to endure the beating that your nation's team is about to take, but did you have to start 2 days early? Damn.

You can beat us by 50 and make the game a dunk contest. It won't change one bit how proud we feel about these guys representing our country. They represent work, passion, heart, sacrifice, dedication, teamwork, profesionalism with an amateur spirit, inteligence and talent.

Can you say the same about the team representing your country?

[xtremesteven33]

Team USA=money,endorsements,ego,media and some patriotism

Team Argentina=passion,heart,sacrifice,patriotism and pride

[timvp]

:wtf Mexico didn't make it to the Olympic Basketball Tournament...
:lol WTF?

Damn, that was a weak comment. I might have to actively root for the US that was so lame.

[byrontx]

Texas is occupied Mexico.

[timvp]

http://spurstalk.com/scola-china.jpg

It's time to curbstomp Scola and the horse he rode in on.

:hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry:

[Ginofan]

Team USA=money,endorsements,ego,media and some patriotism

Team Argentina=passion,heart,sacrifice,patriotism and pride

Doesn't almost half of the Argentina team play in the NBA??? The home of "money, endorsements, ego, and media" :lol:lol:lol

[polandprzem]

damn you all americans!

[timvp]

Team USA=money,endorsements,ego,media and some patriotism

Team Argentina=passion,heart,sacrifice,patriotism and pride

Stupid. Team USA is sacrificing more on a whole than Argentina. An injury could cost anyone on Team USA tens of millions of dollars. Half of Argentina's team plays in trash leagues and don't have much on the line if something happens.

And endorsements? Which is the team that has had a giant Visa logo on their chest?

Oh and saying Team USA is about money when Argentina was just saved by Carlos Delfino ... a guy who just signed in Nowhere, Russia solely for the money. Not to mention Scola, who complained about money for half a decade before coming to the NBA.

Argentina doesn't have innocence any longer. They are as Americanized as the Americans.

[ducks]

You can beat us by 50 and make the game a dunk contest. It won't change one bit how proud we feel about these guys representing our country. They represent work, passion, heart, sacrifice, dedication, teamwork, profesionalism with an amateur spirit, inteligence and talent.

Can you say the same about the team representing your country?

you take pride in scola throwing a fit about money and having to work on his rebounding :lol:lol

Carlos Delfino sacfriced what? he ran back to euro for more money

[T Park]

Go Lebron.

Go Tayshaun.

Go D Will and D Wade :hungry:

[ducks]

Tayshaun on manu?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Stupid. Team USA is sacrificing more on a whole than Argentina. An injury could cost anyone on Team USA tens of millions of dollars. Half of Argentina's team plays in trash leagues and don't have much on the line if something happens.

And endorsements? Which is the team that has had a giant Visa logo on their chest?

Oh and saying Team USA is about money when Argentina was just saved by Carlos Delfino ... a guy who just signed in Nowhere, Russia solely for the money. Not to mention Scola, who complained about money for half a decade before coming to the NBA.

Argentina doesn't have innocence any longer. They are as Americanized as the Americans.

Well said.

Fuck Argentina.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Tayshaun on manu?

Either Kobe or Dwyane.

[T Park]

:wtf Mexico didn't make it to the Olympic Basketball Tournament...

This makes no sense.....

[ducks]

I would say kobe
wade d is weak
kobe when he wants to is great on d

[ducks]

This makes no sense.....

no kidding
usa does not equal mexico
HELLO

[T Park]

You can beat us by 50 and make the game a dunk contest. It won't change one bit how proud we feel about these guys representing our country. They represent work, passion, heart, sacrifice, dedication, teamwork, profesionalism with an amateur spirit, inteligence and talent.

Can you say the same about the team representing your country?


Yeah I can.

All the guys on team USA are good guys and winners.

My favorites, and this is just me talking, is Dwayne Wade and Tayshaun Prince.

Good good guys, hard workers, and damn good players.

[ducks]

Yeah I can.

All the guys on team USA are good guys and winners.

My favorites, and this is just me talking, is Dwayne Wade and Tayshaun Prince.

Good good guys, hard workers, and damn good players.

james has won shit in the nba
I doubt james could work in the lettuce field in yuma for a day

[T Park]

What a douche

Does Poland even know what basketball is?

[T Park]

james has won shit in the nba


Take it somewhere else.

Lebron James is a fantastic player and a good guy.

I have a very hard time finding anything wrong with Lebron.

Unlike you. STFU.

[ducks]

Take it somewhere else.

Lebron James is a fantastic player and a good guy.

I have a very hard time finding anything wrong with Lebron.

Unlike you. STFU.

good at what?
taking money for playing basketball in highschool and breaking rules

[v2freak]

:lol

They are not watching other events, they are on the bench during garbage time

I thought I heard Aaron Piersol say that Kobe and LeBron were at the last race.

[MannyIsGod]

http://spurstalk.com/scola-china.jpg

It's time to curbstomp Scola and the horse he rode in on.

:hungry::hungry::hungry::hungry:


OH SHIT.

TIMVP IN ON THIS TOO.

[MannyIsGod]

Motherfuckers its on. You all want to act all innocent as if you haven't been talking shit for four years now. Thats fine, you had your day in the sun but just know that shit is over. Don't try to downplay shit now when you have 12 Americans about to show you how to play the game we invented.

Its on.


ps Paging Whotttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt. Did ArgSpursFan kidnap him?

[Das Texan]

I hope Manu scores about 30.


I also hope the USA wins going away and that Coach K and Jerry Coangelo get lost in Beijing somewhere and miss their plane ride home.

[SuperManu!!!]

Argies going homers and yanquees going cocky......i can't belive you all seem so classy when spurs play. Shame on you! You are taking away the good part of sports that's enjoying it and being a good winner/loser

[MannyIsGod]

If Manu guards Kobe half as well as he does when he's with the Spurs Kobe will only drop 40 on Team Visa.

[T Park]

If Manu guards Kobe half as well as he does when he's with the Spurs Kobe will only drop 40 on Team Visa.


:lol

[SequSpur]

Olympic smack talking is gay.

http://images.sportsline.com/u/photos/baseball/mlb/img7623972.jpg

[MannyIsGod]

Olympic smack talking is gay.

http://images.sportsline.com/u/photos/baseball/mlb/img7623972.jpg

Only cause England sucks.

[Pero]

Yeah I can.

All the guys on team USA are good guys and winners.

My favorites, and this is just me talking, is Dwayne Wade and Tayshaun Prince.

Good good guys, hard workers, and damn good players.

Carlos "Yes of course, I'll definitely sign the contract. (unless someone else gives me more)" Boozer
Kobe "I asked her if I could cum on her face and she said no" Bryant
Carmelo "I can't drive sober after showing that I'm a total pussy in a fight" Anthony
Jason "Wife Beater" Kidd
Chris "Nut Puncher" Paul
Mike "NBA Champion who lost aka Cry Baby aka Phil's Bitch" D'Antoni.

[SequSpur]

http://davidestrada.com/nbamatchup/ManuGold.jpg

[johngateswhiteley]

USA is going to destroy Argentina. i'm so happy the USA is crushing people by over 30 ppg...just lends credence to my previous statements that the world hasn't really caught up all that much. USA basketball struggles were a product of our own issues with the team. maybe those idiots will shut up now. next 2 games won't even be close...

[E20]

I'm going for Argentina. Fuck the US team.

[whottt]

Motherfuckers its on. You all want to act all innocent as if you haven't been talking shit for four years now. Thats fine, you had your day in the sun but just know that shit is over. Don't try to downplay shit now when you have 12 Americans about to show you how to play the game we invented.

Its on.


ps Paging Whotttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt. Did ArgSpursFan kidnap him?



In. And I agree with this thread :tu

[cool hand]

Ginobili doesnt' have any air left in him. he can't jump more than 2 inches off the ground. Argi loses by 20.

[cool hand]

Only cause England sucks.



ditto, that funny english they talk even sounds gay.

[greens]

I have a question. I know that Lithuania and Argentina have four wins and one loss in their beginning rounds. Then why does Argentina get #2 spot in their group and Lithuania #1? Is it because when there is a tie, whichever team beat the other one gets the higher spot? Or how does that work? I'm a bit confused. I guess if Argentina hadn't lost to Lithuania in that first game, the team could be facing another team right now, not USA? They'd be facing Spain for the moment?

[E20]

lithuania owns the tiebreaker

[whottt]

I have a question. I know that Lithuania and Argentina have four wins and one loss in their beginning rounds. Then why does Argentina get #2 spot in their group and Lithuania #1? Is it because when there is a tie, whichever team beat the other one gets the higher spot?

Exactly....




Or how does that work? I'm a bit confused. I guess if Argentina hadn't lost to Lithuania in that first game, the team could be facing another team right now, not USA?


Yes...I think it's a basically a highest seed VS a lowest seed format too.

Not sure if Spain or Lith is the second seed but since Spain only lost to the team with no losses...it would not surprise me if they were the second seed, although Lith being a pool winner could have given them the second.

[smeagol]

I predict that if Argentina wins, all these fucking idiots will blame the refs.

FIBA sucks, Fiba sucks [/gringos]

[polandprzem]

Does Poland even know what basketball is?

you are repeating yourself

too boring







Saying USA players sacrifice cause if they will get injured it may cost them DOLLARS makes me laugh !

WTF does it mean?

It is an insult to other sportsmen @ the Olympics

[MannyIsGod]

I predict that if Argentina wins, all these fucking idiots will blame the refs.

FIBA sucks, Fiba sucks [/gringos]

I predict if Argentina wins hell will freeze over and pigs flying will be spotted all over the world.

[greens]

whottt, thanks for all the help. I appreciate it.

E20, thanks for answering my question too.

[T Park]

you are repeating yourself

too boring







Saying USA players sacrifice cause if they will get injured it may cost them DOLLARS makes me laugh !

WTF does it mean?

It is an insult to other sportsmen @ the Olympics



Quit proving the stereotype correct please.

[T Park]

I predict that if Argentina wins, all these fucking idiots will blame the refs.

FIBA sucks, Fiba sucks [/gringos]


Gringos?

wow...

[Manudona]

No matter what happens next Friday, USA winning by 1 or 100 points, this will remain true and nobody can take Argentina's pride and the credit they deserve for winning it.


http://davidestrada.com/nbamatchup/ManuGold.jpg

[T Park]

I don't think anyone is trying to take it away...

[sassystriker]

Argentina will come out with a win! God Bless Argentina!

[whottt]

No matter what happens next Friday, USA winning by 1 or 100 points, this will remain true and nobody can take Argentina's pride and the credit they deserve for winning it.

Fluke

[T Park]

:lol

I do think had Larry Brown played Lebron more instead of Richard Jefferson things would'dve been different

[ElNono]

Fluke

AFAIK, Argentina is the only team that beat Team USA with NBA players twice.
Once is a fluke, but twice?

That said, I think this is a better Team USA that we've seen before, and this is also a worse Team Argentina than previous editions.
Whatever the outcome, I hope it's a fun game! And I'm glad that whoever loses can still compete for a medal.

[Obstructed_View]

I predict that if Argentina wins, all these fucking idiots will blame the refs.

FIBA sucks, Fiba sucks [/gringos]

Since you won't even acknowledge that Timmy got fucked by the refs, I don't see why anyone should give Argentina any credit for the win. I'm personally rooting for Argentina, but 8 on 5 is the only chance they have against team USA, and you know it.

[Hemotivo]

Which is the team that has had a giant Visa logo on their chest?

:reading


I don't know
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/82/95163979om7.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1926/5757154be2bb01d70f12d44bm4.jpg

[timvp]

:reading


I don't knowPast tense much?

[Hemotivo]

:lol

[samikeyp]

You can beat us by 50 and make the game a dunk contest. It won't change one bit how proud we feel about these guys representing our country. They represent work, passion, heart, sacrifice, dedication, teamwork, profesionalism with an amateur spirit, inteligence and talent.

Can you say the same about the team representing your country?

I can. I think they lacked that in the past, not this year.

No one is trying to change how you feel about your team. Many of us feel the same way about ours.

[samikeyp]

No matter what happens next Friday, USA winning by 1 or 100 points, this will remain true and nobody can take Argentina's pride and the credit they deserve for winning it.

If the USA beats Argentina, then they won't win it.

Besides...again...no one is trying to take anything away from you or your Country. You should have pride in them no matter where they finish.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

Argentina would have a shot if they had a decent point guard... but they don't and Prigoni or whatever his name is is going to look like Beno trying to bring the ball up in the finals vs. the Pistons.

But if Nocioni is healthy, Argentina can hang in within 10-15 points

[Deimosfobos]

Most argentine posters have been quite classy in this forum, is a shame that just because of a few morons now so many of you decide to atack all of us and insult our team, when most of us have never done anything but show respect for you.

Team USA should win ez, is the best team you gathered in a long time, while our team is at the end of a glorious and unspected era. Manu is tired, Noc is hurted, our pg is irregular and our bench just sucks... winning would be heroic as improbable.

No matter the outcome, I'll keep loving my team for all that they had done for us, and I'll keep considering USA BBall as the best in the world, just like I did when we were beting you on tournaments.
Tho, some of your comments are a bit disapointing to be honest, but I guess that's my problem.

My Predictions:

Logic----> Team USA by 25
Heart----> Team USA by 15-10
Imagination----> Argentina by 1-2 with a buzzerbeater from Manu

Hope is a good game and no one gets hurt, specially Manu/Oberto.

GL

[romad_20]

Why is everyone bagging on Argentina? Manu has helped us win 3 championship and Oberto 1. Both are class and Manu played some great basketball in 02-04 and deserved the gold. I wish them well but I don't think they can handle a determined Lebron. Besides that, fuck Kobe. I don't even like the fact that he or Carmelo is on that team. Maybe if they weren't there I could get behind this team more.

[samikeyp]

Most argentine posters have been quite classy in this forum, is a shame that just because of a few morons now so many of you decide to atack all of us and insult our team, when most of us have never done anything but show respect for you.

It goes both ways and has since 2004.

Here is hoping no one gets hurt. :toast

[samikeyp]

Why is everyone bagging on Argentina? Manu has helped us win 3 championship and Oberto 1. Both are class and Manu played some great basketball in 02-04 and deserved the gold. I wish them well but I don't think they can handle a determined Lebron. Besides that, fuck Kobe. I don't even like the fact that he or Carmelo is on that team. Maybe if they weren't there I could get behind this team more.

It's not bagging on Argentina..its just the usual pre-game smack that always goes on here. People want the US to win...people would be and have been saying stuff no matter who the US plays.

[Leo_ARG]

My Predictions:

Logic----> Team USA by 25
Heart----> Team USA by 15-10
Imagination----> Argentina by 1-2 with a buzzerbeater from Manu


And we have a winner! :toast

[milkyway21]

I predict that if Argentina wins, all these fucking idiots will blame the refs.

FIBA sucks, Fiba sucks [/gringos]

I predict There Will be Blood and MELTDOWN in this forum if U.S.A. will lose(again, if they're lucky), to Argentina :lmao :rollin

May the BEST team wins.

Go U.S.A.:toast
Ole! Ole! :toast

[samikeyp]

I predict There Will be Blood and MELTDOWN in this forum if U.S.A. will lose(again, if they're lucky), to Argentina :lmao :rollin

May the BEST team wins.

Go U.S.A.:toast
Ole! Ole! :toast

True.

[timvp]

I'm hoping Manu has 101 points but the USA wins 200-101. I was neutral but now I have been forced into action.

[samikeyp]

I'm hoping Manu has 101 points but the USA wins 200-101. I was neutral but now I have been forced into action.

I wouldn't mind that.

[Deimosfobos]

I'm hoping Manu has 101 points but the USA wins 200-101. I was neutral but now I have been forced into action.

If Manu drops 40+ agaist Team USA (fiba game is only 40min long), I swear I'll tatoo my ass with the legend "Manus biach". :hat

[Hemotivo]

:lol

[Cherry]

Argie not as strong this time around. Lithu has a better chance of knockin USA out I think.

Yup. This time is more difficult. They are realistics, they want a bronze medal i think. Lithuania, Spain, USA and Argentina are the best 4 teams in the world. Arg is one of the best 4 since 2002 and that's much for a sport without a long tadition. I'm enjoying it.

My prediction is:

LIT beats SPAIN :lol
USA beats ARG:depressed
ARG beats SPAIN :makemyday
USA beats LIT :toast

[kuato]

Manu 30 , Scola 34 , Delfino 20, Chapu 20 rebounds ! Prigioni 6 3pts, well let me dream ! :P :violin , but a bronze medal beating Spain isnt that bad at all. :toast

[polandprzem]

Quit proving the stereotype correct please.

Where was I proving the stereotype correct?

[Trainwreck2100]

Argies don't have a PG, this shit is over

[T Park]

Where was I proving the stereotype correct?

With your posts on Americans...

[milkyway21]

If only Argentina didn't lose to Lithuania, they will be facing the U.S. team in the gold medal round instead of the bronze...

Gold - USA
Silver - Argentina

or;

Gold - Argentina
Silver - U.S.A.

than;

Gold- U.S.A
Silver - Lithuania or Spain
Bronze - Argentina

Argentina could be facing Lithuania for the bronze contention.

Tough.
Because of Lithuania's big men and Argentina's center Oberto is not even a 7-footer. And let's not talk about 3-pointers(Manu had a blast against Greece with 6), because Lithuania has many 3-point weapons too.

I don't know. If they lose to USA, I wish they will be facing Spain instead.

[polandprzem]

With your posts on Americans...

Quote me, and tell me if what I posted is a stereotype?
And persuade me it's not the truth

[T Park]

Quote me, and tell me if what I posted is a stereotype?
And persuade me it's not the truth


If you can't catch onto the "quit proving the stereotype true" then I can't help you.

[Obstructed_View]

If Argentina wins, I'll be happy. If the USA wins, I'll be happy that Carlos Delfino lost.

And no, I don't really know why I don't like him. I just don't. :)

[polandprzem]

If you can't catch onto the "quit proving the stereotype true" then I can't help you.

As usual

Throwing insults all around but can't stand for your own :tu

[duncan228]

http://www.nysun.com/sports/argentina-is-redeem-teams-last-remaining-test/84311/

Argentina Is Redeem Team's Last Remaining Test
By JOHN HOLLINGER

Bang. Swish. Swish. Swish. Free throw. Layup. Layup. Swish.

Ballgame.

In the blink of an eye, America turned a competitive game against Australia into a laugher, going on a 19-0 run bridging halftime to turn a tight, feisty game into a 116-85 rout and advance to the semifinals of the men's Olympic basketball tournament.

It was part of a day that couldn't have gone better for the U.S. — not only did they win easily, but their two main rivals for the gold medal, Spain and Argentina, both suffered serious injuries that crimp whatever shot they had of upsetting the Redeem Team. The U.S. will play Argentina in the semis on Friday while Spain meets Lithuania.

Australia was hoping to crash the party, and was within seven points with 30 seconds left in the first half thanks to an overtly physical style and some stellar shooting — the same formula they'd used to frustrate the U.S. in a closer-than-expected 87-76 defeat just before the Olympics.

But the U.S. scored the game's next 19 points to go up by 26 early in the third and cruised home from there. Unusually, 3-pointers proved the key. Deron Williams hit a bomb just before halftime to put the U.S up by 12, and Kobe Bryant made two at the start of the third quarter to leave the Aussies reeling.

In truth, it should have been a rout earlier. Australia stayed in the game partly because the U.S. missed 10 free-throw attempts in the first half and made only 2-of-12 3-pointers before Williams's buzzer-beater; that they still finished the half with 55 points is a testament to how overmatched the Aussie defense was against the American onslaught.

Their surprise weapon was the offensive glass. Despite a size disadvantage, the U.S. had nearly as many offensive rebounds (19) as Australia had defensive boards (20); Kobe Bryant pulled in four from the guard spot and finished with a game-high 25 points.

Australia, meanwhile, adopted a defend-at-all-costs strategy to cut off the U.S. running game that other squads are likely to emulate — they didn't even bother trying for offensive rebounds and instead just ran back as fast as they could once a shot went up.

We'll see if Argentina tries the same thing on tomorrow, but, regardless, they'll certainly give a better game. The defending gold medalists are a far more talented team than Australia, featuring San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobili and fellow NBA players Luis Scola (Rockets), Carlos Delfino (ex-Raptors), Fabricio Oberto (Spurs), and Andres Nocioni (Bulls).

Unfortunately, two major issues loom for the South American side. First is Nocioni's knee. He appeared to be limping throughout the second half of his team's riveting 80-78 quarterfinal win over Greece, so there's a major question as to whether he'll play and, if so, how well.

Losing Nocioni would be a huge blow because it would exacerbate Argentina's biggest weakness — a lack of depth. While they have five NBA-caliber players, the Argentines' bench is awful. This is a major problem against a team that plays as fast a pace as the U.S. and constantly subs in fresh bodies, and they're likely to be exhausted by the second half.

Additionally, Argentina's second-biggest weakness is the backcourt — an area the U.S. defense is likely to expose with its propensity for forcing turnovers that turn into easy baskets at the other end. Point guard Pablo Prigioni is a second-tier player in Europe, and while he's taken good care of the ball in this tournament, he won't be able to burn the American pressure.

That leaves most of the responsibility on the shoulders of Ginobili and Delfino. Delfino was outstanding in the Greece game, with 23 points; however, Raptors fans familiar with his Jekyll-and-Hyde history know this means he could lose to his mother tomorrow.

Ginobili, of course, is the big star on Argentina, and even more dangerous in international ball than in the NBA. The U.S. knows this all too well — he thrashed them in Argentina's semifinal win en route to the gold medal in 2004. Kobe Bryant will get the main assignment of guarding him, with plenty of help from Dwyane Wade and the long-armed Tayshaun Prince.

The U.S. will have a major mismatch at power forward, where either Scola or Oberto will have to guard Carmelo Anthony; because of this, I expect Argentina to play zone for much of the game. Once again, 3-point shooting will be a key for the American side, but if they shoot the ball decently, their depth should overwhelm the Argentines.

If so, let's at least throw a bone to what may be the swan song for an incredible generation of Argentine hoopsters. They've already won medals of all three stripes (gold in the 2004 Olympics, silver in the 2002 World Championships, bronze in the 2006 World Championships) and will probably leave here with another bronze, a remarkable feat for a group from a soccer-mad country.

However, time is not on their side. Delfino is they only key player younger than 28 and there are no players of comparable quality in the pipeline, so this may be the last we see of them on a medal stand for a long time.

In the other semifinal, Lithuania will meet Spain. The Lithuanians dispatched China 94-68 behind 23 points from Sarunas Jasikevicius and suffocating defense against Yao Ming. The Rockets' star center looked exhausted throughout; on a positive note, this may have prevented him from killing his guards with his bare hands. China's overmatched backcourt was its usual pitiful self at both ends, and missed Yao several times when he was open on the block.

As for Spain, they played their best game of the tournament thus far in dispatching Croatia 72-59. However, point guard Jose Calderon left late in the game with what appeared to be a groin injury, leaving his status for the rest of the tournament in doubt.

The Croats were hurt by an injury of their own. Without high-scoring guard Marko Popovic they had trouble breaking down the Spanish defense all game, frequently running the offense down to the final seconds of the shot clock. Spain started 17-year-old Ricky Rubio at point guard ahead of Calderon, and he delivered his usual mix of the spectacular and the erratic — six rebounds and a dazzling assist in 17 minutes, but also three turnovers.

Even without Calderon, I'd look for Spain's superior skill in the frontcourt and speed advantage in the backcourt to overwhelm Lithuania. The latter club's ball handlers are vulnerable to pressure defense, especially since Jasikevicius has lost a gear, and the speed of players such as Rubio and the Trail Blazers' Rudy Fernandez should be too much for them.

Regardless, Argentina seems like the last remaining test for America. They've beaten both Lithuania (120-84) and Spain (119-82) by embarrassing margins this summer; if they meet again in Sunday's gold medal game, the Redeem Team should roll to victory.

[ducks]

when is the showdown!

[ThunderStix®]

I'm hoping Manu has 101 points but the USA wins 200-101. I was neutral but now I have been forced into action.

:toast

[milkyway21]

The Rockets' star center looked exhausted throughout; on a positive note, this may have prevented him from killing his guards with his bare hands:lmao

[MI21]

Argentina can push the USA. A lot of things have to go right, but it's possible. I still expect USA to win by 20 or more.

One thing I will say though, if this is a tie game with 5 minutes left... I think Argentina has as much chance of winning as USA do because of there superior execution in a half court set.

[polandprzem]

Argentina can push the USA. A lot of things have to go right, but it's possible. I still expect USA to win by 20 or more.

One thing I will say though, if this is a tie game with 5 minutes left... I think Argentina has as much chance of winning as USA do because of there superior execution in a half court set.

naahhhhhhhhhh

[Deimosfobos]

We'll see if Argentina tries the same thing on tomorrow, but, regardless, they'll certainly give a better game. The defending gold medalists are a far more talented team than Australia, featuring San Antonio Spurs star Manu Ginobili and fellow NBA players Luis Scola (Rockets), Carlos Delfino (ex-Raptors), Fabricio Oberto (Spurs), and Andres Nocioni (Bulls).

Unfortunately, two major issues loom for the South American side. First is Nocioni's knee. He appeared to be limping throughout the second half of his team's riveting 80-78 quarterfinal win over Greece, so there's a major question as to whether he'll play and, if so, how well.

Losing Nocioni would be a huge blow because it would exacerbate Argentina's biggest weakness — a lack of depth. While they have five NBA-caliber players, the Argentines' bench is awful. This is a major problem against a team that plays as fast a pace as the U.S. and constantly subs in fresh bodies, and they're likely to be exhausted by the second half.

Additionally, Argentina's second-biggest weakness is the backcourt — an area the U.S. defense is likely to expose with its propensity for forcing turnovers that turn into easy baskets at the other end. Point guard Pablo Prigioni is a second-tier player in Europe, and while he's taken good care of the ball in this tournament, he won't be able to burn the American pressure.

That leaves most of the responsibility on the shoulders of Ginobili and Delfino. Delfino was outstanding in the Greece game, with 23 points; however, Raptors fans familiar with his Jekyll-and-Hyde history know this means he could lose to his mother tomorrow.

Ginobili, of course, is the big star on Argentina, and even more dangerous in international ball than in the NBA. The U.S. knows this all too well — he thrashed them in Argentina's semifinal win en route to the gold medal in 2004. Kobe Bryant will get the main assignment of guarding him, with plenty of help from Dwyane Wade and the long-armed Tayshaun Prince.

The U.S. will have a major mismatch at power forward, where either Scola or Oberto will have to guard Carmelo Anthony; because of this, I expect Argentina to play zone for much of the game. Once again, 3-point shooting will be a key for the American side, but if they shoot the ball decently, their depth should overwhelm the Argentines.

If so, let's at least throw a bone to what may be the swan song for an incredible generation of Argentine hoopsters. They've already won medals of all three stripes (gold in the 2004 Olympics, silver in the 2002 World Championships, bronze in the 2006 World Championships) and will probably leave here with another bronze, a remarkable feat for a group from a soccer-mad country.

However, time is not on their side. Delfino is they only key player younger than 28 and there are no players of comparable quality in the pipeline, so this may be the last we see of them on a medal stand for a long time.


WOW

Thats a perfect reading of the situation, props to the author.

[phyzik]

all I can say is Im going for USA... but if ARG was to win, I wouldnt be upset one little bit.

[wijayas]

I Love Manu but I love Team USA more. Go USA!!!!

[MI21]

naahhhhhhhhhh

Um, why not?

[SpursFanFirst]

:cheer Go Argentina! :cheer

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

If Manu plays well and Argentina some how pulls off the miracle of beating the US this year. Manu will be instantly known as the greatest international basketball player of all time.

[Manudona]

Um, why not?

Because US of A is way better than Argentina? In every position they have a player who is better than Argentina's (and times two with the bench). Argentina's only chance is that the game is decided by cojones, heart and chemistry and not by talent, with the former I think Argentina can upset USA, it already showed the world they have plenty, but with the latter, I highly doubt it.

I still hope Argentina plays another incredible match and win, but realistically the chances are about the same I have of wining a multi-million lotto, anyways, hope is the last thing I'll lose.

Go Argentina!!! :lobt2:

[Trainwreck2100]

No point guard

[MannyIsGod]

Its so fucking stupid to hear about Argentina's heart and courage and all that bullshit over and over and over again. How much heart has Delfino shown in his career? Oberto is fucking notorious for mailing it in half the season here for the Spurs. Nochioni became a chucker in his last season with the Bulls. Manu has a ton of heart and there's no denying that.

But don't act like the US players don't have heart, desire and care about winning just as much as the Argentinian players. Just because they're more talanted doesn't mean they lack heart or chemistry.

[Obstructed_View]

Its so fucking stupid to hear about Argentina's heart and courage and all that bullshit over and over and over again. How much heart has Delfino shown in his career? Oberto is fucking notorious for mailing it in half the season here for the Spurs. Nochioni became a chucker in his last season with the Bulls. Manu has a ton of heart and there's no denying that.

But don't act like the US players don't have heart, desire and care about winning just as much as the Argentinian players. Just because they're more talanted doesn't mean they lack heart or chemistry.

If you listen to NBC and ESPN, this year's USA team has tons of heart and courage and proudly represents the USA. It's Tim Duncan's team that didn't. Not for any actual reason, but the story slowly rewrites itself after a loss.

[mavs>spurs2]

poland why do you hate america? aren't we just sign an agreement to build a missile defense system in your country and promise to protect you guys? is this the general consensus of polish people or are you one of few who feel this way?

[T Park]

poland why do you hate america? aren't we just sign an agreement to build a missile defense system in your country and promise to protect you guys? is this the general consensus of polish people or are you one of few who feel this way?

Its the new fad.

Wear a peace symbol, hate america!

[Whisky Dog]

Game won't even be close in 2nd half. 20+ point win in a game where the margin hits 30+ at least once.

This outcome is going to be what would happen if the Spurs played Fresno State.

[Slomo]

poland why do you hate america? aren't we just sign an agreement to build a missile defense system in your country and promise to protect you guys? is this the general consensus of polish people or are you one of few who feel this way?

Not to derail this entertaining thread, but you do understand that the system the US will build is designed to protect the USA not Poland. Poland will get some missile system and other weapons as payment for it though.

The USA has never (and never will) spend billions abroad for anybody's else's benefit but its own. There's nothing wrong with that. I just wish politicians and spin artist on both sides of the issue would be honest about it and stop treating us as idiots.

[sendman]

Not to derail this entertaining thread, but you do understand that the system the US will build is designed to protect the USA not Poland. Poland will get some missile system and other weapons as payment for it though.

The USA has never (and never will) spend billions abroad for anybody's else's benefit but its own. There's nothing wrong with that. I just wish politicians and spin artist on both sides of the issue would be honest about it and stop treating us as idiots.

Spot on!
But, can they handle the truth?

Slomo, you are toying with your job.:lmao

[Trainwreck2100]

to try and bridge the two topics, I'll use a metaphor. The US is Russia, the Argies are Georgia, and FIBA is America.

[sendman]

to try and bridge the two topics, I'll use a metaphor. The US is Russia, the Argies are Georgia, and FIBA is America.
And VSpan is Zorba!:lmao

[milkyway21]

this U.S. team is still unbeaten. that's why they are still good guys, brotherhood is there, the sharing-not demanding the ball...blah blah blah

watch out how soon one of these guys can start the whining and finger-pointing if this team will lose a game. More if it's the Argentina team(again). :lol

I can already picture the other guys' faces rolling their eyes behind someone else's back...:lmao

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

US by 28 :smokin

I may be a US citizen in 5 years, so i better start cheering for their national teams now :lol

[carina_gino20]

They've already won medals of all three stripes (gold in the 2004 Olympics, silver in the 2002 World Championships, bronze in the 2006 World Championships)

Wrong. Argentina lost to USA in the bronze medal game.

[1Parker1]

What time is the game? I don't give Argentina a chance. They'll lose by double digits. I just hope they don't get embarrassed and blown out.

My prediction is that Kobe and Lebron go nuts and no one on Argentina can stop either.

[1Parker1]

P.S GO ARGENTINA!!!!!!!! :elephant

[1Parker1]

BEIJING (Reuters) - Argentina's Manu Ginobili has all but written off his team's chances of beating the United States in the semi-finals of the men's Olympic basketball competition.

"We know they are by far the best team in the tournament," said the San Antonio Spurs guard. Ginobili scored 24 points to help the 2004 gold medalists beat Greece 80-78 on Wednesday to reach the last four.

"We know we have to play a perfect game and that's probably not going to be enough. They will have to play a bad game too."

The United States trampled Australia 116-85 in their quarter-final to underline their status as overwhelming gold medal favorites in Beijing.

The Americans have been the dominant team in the men's tournament, destroying their opponents by well over 30 points a game. The Argentines are expected to provide their first real test in Friday's game, but Ginobili played down his side's chances.

"We will need a brilliant strategy to beat them," said Ginobili, the tournament's leading points scorer. "We can't afford to make mistakes because they will make you pay.

"We know we have to make our shots. They're the big favorites. We have maybe a five or 10 percent chance of winning but we will try to go for a miracle."

[1Parker1]

:lol :tu Way to stay positive Manu.

[byrontx]

Slomo, a lot of posters here only know what Faux News tells them.

The Argies have every right to be proud of their team. Why pick on Oberto? It sometimes seems like the whole Spurs team likes to check out until the rodeo tour.

[ElNono]

:lol :tu Way to stay positive Manu.

I think he's just being realistic. I have no doubt he'll leave it all out on the floor. I also think he realizes he doesn't have the supporting cast around that he used to have, and a few teammates are banged up. On the other side, this Team USA has been extremely good. If you go back to '04, that Team USA lost the opener to Puerto Rico, and you could tell it wasn't anywhere near as dominant as this one.

[benefactor]

BEIJING (Reuters) - Argentina's Manu Ginobili has all but written off his team's chances of beating the United States in the semi-finals of the men's Olympic basketball competition.

"We know they are by far the best team in the tournament," said the San Antonio Spurs guard. Ginobili scored 24 points to help the 2004 gold medalists beat Greece 80-78 on Wednesday to reach the last four.

"We know we have to play a perfect game and that's probably not going to be enough. They will have to play a bad game too."

The United States trampled Australia 116-85 in their quarter-final to underline their status as overwhelming gold medal favorites in Beijing.

The Americans have been the dominant team in the men's tournament, destroying their opponents by well over 30 points a game. The Argentines are expected to provide their first real test in Friday's game, but Ginobili played down his side's chances.

"We will need a brilliant strategy to beat them," said Ginobili, the tournament's leading points scorer. "We can't afford to make mistakes because they will make you pay.

"We know we have to make our shots. They're the big favorites. We have maybe a five or 10 percent chance of winning but we will try to go for a miracle."
I know Manu is being a realist, but c'mon...do you really say something like this? Argentina is good enough to push us we don't bring our A game. We all know that Argentina has no business beating us...but there has been plenty of examples where teams that had no business beating another team somehow managed to win. Manu is the leader of this team and he should keep the attitude of winning no matter what the circumstances look like. Underdogs that have taken on that sort of attitude have won against huge odds countless times.

But that being said...we will crush them. :ihit

[rascal]

poland why do you hate america? aren't we just sign an agreement to build a missile defense system in your country and promise to protect you guys? is this the general consensus of polish people or are you one of few who feel this way?


Most people dislike the American arrogance that many Americans have.

[Sissiborgo]

Go Usa..

[SpurOutofTownFan]

I'm gonna summarize for all the idiots here. If you think the US will win by 30 pts you are delusional. Period.

Argentina might even win this one - although I doubt it.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

poland why do you hate america? aren't we just sign an agreement to build a missile defense system in your country and promise to protect you guys? is this the general consensus of polish people or are you one of few who feel this way?

You watch too much TV and buy into that a lot. There's no protection of Poland. Don't be naive ffs.

[JamStone]

USA might not win by 30 but it's not idiotic to think they could win big against Argentina. Spain and Greece were supposed to make their games close with the Americans too. We saw what happened with that.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

I wasn't aware Texas was still part of Mexico.:wtf

I'm sure you're going to have to drink heavily to endure the beating that your nation's team is about to take, but did you have to start 2 days early? Damn.

One thing that is clear about this thread is that the Manu hate is still breaking havoc among the Spurs family. That plus a resentment of things non-American (food for fearmongers and racism and we already have 6 pages of posts).

Instead of cheering up a team like Argentina that has 2 Spurs players, people prefer to take it down even before the game is played when they already know the US team is far superior skill-wise. I would be praising the Argentinians instead, as in their success, there's also a clear sign 4 of their players play in the US in top teams and the rest in Europe. Their victory - whatever that might be - is a US victory as well.

Ridiculous.

[ALVAREZ6]

of course the US will win, how could USA possibly lose with the fucking team they brought.

[Pero]

It's not the team, never was, that's just an excuse. It's taking things more seriously and actually preparing. I think even the previous teams that didn't win gold could have won it, if only they made better preparations.

[smeagol]

At what time is the game?

[samikeyp]

One thing that is clear about this thread is that the Manu hate is still breaking havoc among the Spurs family. That plus a resentment of things non-American (food for fearmongers and racism and we already have 6 pages of posts).

Instead of cheering up a team like Argentina that has 2 Spurs players, people prefer to take it down even before the game is played when they already know the US team is far superior skill-wise. I would be praising the Argentinians instead, as in their success, there's also a clear sign 4 of their players play in the US in top teams and the rest in Europe. Their victory - whatever that might be - is a US victory as well.

Ridiculous.

Or you could just be rooting for your country. Just because I root for the USA doesn't mean I don't like things non-American nor am I racist. I do agree with Pero though. The days where the US can throw 12 NBA players together 6 weeks before the games and win Gold are over. USA Basketball finally adopted the approach that the world's top programs have been doing for years. Keep a team together for a while and build on it. The US is finally doing that and it is now paying off.

[ALVAREZ6]

It's not the team, never was, that's just an excuse. It's taking things more seriously and actually preparing. I think even the previous teams that didn't win gold could have won it, if only they made better preparations.
No shit they could have...they also should have...


Lebron, Wade, Melo are all much better than they were in 2004, Dwight has been added, and Kobe is at the top of his game. It's just impossible to lose with that team.

[samikeyp]

FWIW, I do root for Argentina when they are not playing the US.

[samikeyp]

No shit they could have...they also should have...


Lebron, Wade, Melo are all much better than they were in 2004, Dwight has been added, and Kobe is at the top of his game. It's just impossible to lose with that team.

Exactly. I also put some of that on Larry Brown.

[Solid D]

The USA has never (and never will) spend billions abroad for anybody's else's benefit but its own. There's nothing wrong with that. I just wish politicians and spin artist on both sides of the issue would be honest about it and stop treating us as idiots.

From a defense stand-point, you are probably correct.

If you look at the multiple billions of dollars the USA has poured into Africa for food and drought relief and the tens of billions the USA writes off in debt incurred by poor, highly indebted countries...as do G8 countries and others, there must be a mutual benefit, to some degree.

Of course, there are millions of dollars for poverty or disaster reasons sent out of compassion by individuals, churches and non-profit groups where the US government does not get involved. The USA is still governed and supported by humans with compassion. Unfortunately, Slomo, your point is well-taken, and "what's in it for us" is typically in the mix politically, but...giving to the poor out of love for others is still a principle taught and practiced here, from the roots-up.

[ALVAREZ6]

Exactly. I also put some of that on Larry Brown.
Some...but mainly the team is better this year and they are more prepared, taking it more seriously. I bet in 04 they didn't expect to be in the receiving end of an upset. Although they did lose a couple times in 04.

[samikeyp]

Some...but mainly the team is better this year and they are more prepared, taking it more seriously. I bet in 04 they didn't expect to be in the receiving end of an upset. Although they did lose a couple times in 04.

Bingo. I think TD was serious about winning, not sure about the rest of them.

[Manudona]

Um, why not?


Its so fucking stupid to hear about Argentina's heart and courage and all that bullshit over and over and over again. How much heart has Delfino shown in his career? Oberto is fucking notorious for mailing it in half the season here for the Spurs. Nochioni became a chucker in his last season with the Bulls. Manu has a ton of heart and there's no denying that.

But don't act like the US players don't have heart, desire and care about winning just as much as the Argentinian players. Just because they're more talanted doesn't mean they lack heart or chemistry.


I did not mean to say USA has no heart or chemistry or courage, just that they did not show any yet for when you are winning by 30 points each match you hardly need to display any, those are treats that are more apparent in adversity, and were severely lacking in 2002 and 2004, weren't they?

[koriwhat]

is there a live stream going on? i am dying to see this game...

[koriwhat]

oops... just realized the game is tomorrow and not today. anyhow...

[SpursFanFirst]

For those wondering, according to ESPN, the game will be Friday at 10:15am (ET)

[ALVAREZ6]

i will watch this game, and i also have to watch argentina - nigeria, the soccer final.

[samikeyp]

I did not mean to say USA has no heart or chemistry or courage, just that they did not show any yet for when you are winning by 30 points each match you hardly need to display any, those are treats that are more apparent in adversity, and were severely lacking in 2002 and 2004, weren't they?

I would disagree about this years team but you are dead on about 02 and 04.

[benefactor]

Schedule...for the lazy. (http://www.nba.com/beijing2008/mens_sched.html)

The games will be on one of the NBC networks, probably USA Network as most of the morning games have been shown there.

[xtremesteven33]

if US has a really bad game, then argentina has a shot if they play a really good game.

other than that, i see US winning by 20+ points

[diego]

shit piles up fast in here.

US fans should be thankful of argentina, greece, puerto rico, and all the other teams that forced USA basketball to take things seriously. when was the last time you all had this much fun rooting for your bball team?

i just hope for a good competitive game, with good sportsmanship. too late to ask that from the fans...


and as an aside...

do y'all realize this is probably the biggest game in manu's career? he is under tremendous pressure to carry this team, and if he somehow manages to lead argentina to victory, he automatically becomes a lock for the HOF and the most accomplished non-american ball player ever. he could win 3 more rings with the spurs and it wouldnt do that for him.

pressure usually brings out the best in manu, and win or lose i expect an amazing game from him. OTOH, kobe bryant hasnt won anything (non-individual) in the past 5 years, and is also under huge pressure to redeem the US and himself. this game is going to be a great battle, with great entertainment.

[Slomo]

From a defense stand-point, you are probably correct.

If you look at the multiple billions of dollars the USA has poured into Africa for food and drought relief and the tens of billions the USA writes off in debt incurred by poor, highly indebted countries...as do G8 countries and others, there must be a mutual benefit, to some degree.

Of course, there are millions of dollars for poverty or disaster reasons sent out of compassion by individuals, churches and non-profit groups where the US government does not get involved. The USA is still governed and supported by humans with compassion. Unfortunately, Slomo, your point is well-taken, and "what's in it for us" is typically in the mix politically, but...giving to the poor out of love for others is still a principle taught and practiced here, from the roots-up.


http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2725636#post2725636

[Slomo]

...he automatically becomes a lock for the HOF...

Manu is already a lock for the HOF.

[angel_luv]

I have only gotten this far in the thread so far so this may have been posted already.



Don't try to downplay now when you have 12 Americans about to show you how to play the game we invented.

Its on.



??????

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Naismith

James A. Naismith (November 6, 1861 – November 28, 1939) was a Canadian who invented the sport of basketball and was the first to introduce the use of a helmet in American football.

Also what time is the game airing in San Antonio?

[ALVAREZ6]

haha manny you dumb fuck nothing has changed

[MI21]

I thought Basketball was invented in the US, by Naismith, a Canadian?

[Solid D]

I thought Basketball was invented in the US, by Naismith, a Canadian?

Correct. He introduced it in gym class in Springfield, MA....thus, Springfield is the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

[1Parker1]

FYI Gametime is tommorow (Friday) at 10:15am EST.

[MI21]

Correct. He introduced it in gym class in Springfield, MA....thus, Springfield is the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame.

I knew that Solid, I swear! :)

So really, the home of basketball is the USA :tu

[Solid D]

:lol

(In memory of awmyplace)

[urunobili]

to whottt, Manny is shit and all fuckers disrespecting probably one of the best teams to ever play basketball together... FUCK YOU

timvp lame comments saying that team USA players have millions to lose without having in consideration they all have insurance where nor the player neither the franchise would lose a penny if a player goes down, shows a sense of desperation.

As for the other suck ups thinking that D-Wade, Le Bron, Kobe and Tayshaun Prince could stop Manu...

MORE THAN ONE TIME any of those 4 got FUCKED by Manu either on the regular season, playoffs and/or the Finals and on their own fucking Gym...

in addition International Manu > NBA Manu

even more funny... this thread has similar predictions to the bump of the 2004 one...

check my IP i am in Chicago and with my Argentine Scola Jersey on... Argentina may go down yes... but not without making you suffer first...

[Whisky Dog]

One thing that is clear about this thread is that the Manu hate is still breaking havoc among the Spurs family. That plus a resentment of things non-American (food for fearmongers and racism and we already have 6 pages of posts).

Instead of cheering up a team like Argentina that has 2 Spurs players, people prefer to take it down even before the game is played when they already know the US team is far superior skill-wise. I would be praising the Argentinians instead, as in their success, there's also a clear sign 4 of their players play in the US in top teams and the rest in Europe. Their victory - whatever that might be - is a US victory as well.

Ridiculous.

WTF are you talking about? This has nothing to do with hating Manu or Argentina, this is a no brainer. Argentina has five or six top talented guys, and a couple of them (Delfino and Prigioni) are very inconsistent. USA has all world players at every position at every depth. They play like team, very unselfish. Nobody, not even world champion Spain, has stayed close to them in the 2nd half. Nobody needs to cheer up Argentina, they are the defending Olympic champions, but nobody has the depth necessary to go 40 minutes with the US team. It's an easy call.

[urunobili]

Fuck Argentina and Manu Ginobili.

finally unmasking yourself

[angel_luv]

For those wondering, according to ESPN, the game will be Friday at 10:15am (ET)

When I will be at work- and not on a computer either. :depressed

Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

When I will be at work- and not on a computer either. :depressed

Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Damn that sucks. The beating USA will give isn't something you want to miss.

[angel_luv]

Damn that sucks. The beating USA will give isn't something you want to miss.

I am sure if the USA won, you would tell me ALL about it repeatedly. :lol


And, when Argentina pulls off the upset, it will be all over the news.

Either way, I'll be informed. :)

Since I won't be able to during the game:

Go Argentina!
:) :cheer :)

Go Manu Go! :)

[T Park]

USA USA USA

Suck on it haters. we are reclaiming our greatness.

[T Park]

I am sure if the USA won, you would tell me ALL about it repeatedly. :lol


And, when Argentina pulls off the upset, it will be all over the news.

Either way, I'll be informed. :)

Since I won't be able to during the game:

Go Argentina!
:) :cheer :)

Go Manu Go! :)


Try rooting for the country you live in.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

when

ROFL

k

[T Park]

From a defense stand-point, you are probably correct.

If you look at the multiple billions of dollars the USA has poured into Africa for food and drought relief and the tens of billions the USA writes off in debt incurred by poor, highly indebted countries...as do G8 countries and others, there must be a mutual benefit, to some degree.

Of course, there are millions of dollars for poverty or disaster reasons sent out of compassion by individuals, churches and non-profit groups where the US government does not get involved. The USA is still governed and supported by humans with compassion. Unfortunately, Slomo, your point is well-taken, and "what's in it for us" is typically in the mix politically, but...giving to the poor out of love for others is still a principle taught and practiced here, from the roots-up.



"Nobody has done more for african relief than George W Bush" - Bono


I guess when Bush donated all that money he was just looking for praise from Bono and for other reasons as well :lol

[T Park]

Most people dislike the American arrogance that many Americans have.

I don't dislike it one bit.

Only pansy ass spineless wusses such as yourself hate americans.

[angel_luv]

Try rooting for the country you live in.

And I will be sure to vote Republican because I live in Texas. :lol

This country was founded by people who desired independence and the power to make their own decisions.

I may not be Uncle Sam's favorite niece but as long as I obey the law and send my tax payment yearly, I think I rank all right with the powers that be.

[smeagol]

Try rooting for the country you live in.

Chill dude. She can root for whoever she wants. Like you always like saying, "It´s America"

[koriwhat]

And I will be sure to vote Republican because I live in Texas. :lol

This country was founded by people who desired independence and the power to make their own decisions.

I may not be Uncle Sam's favorite niece but as long as I obey the law and send my tax payment yearly, I think I rank all right with the powers that be.

actually this country was founded by low life scum who wanted to make their own rules, who wanted to kill those who didn't agree, and who thought they were entitled to such things by the hand of god.

don't be fooled. i love this country but damn if people act like it was founded by the best of society in hopes of creating a perfect world. it's the total opposite and to this day corruption and greed pave the way(like it has always done) to our demise.

ps: GO USA GO!

[sendman]

we are reclaiming our greatness.

You started with obsessive eating again?!:nope:hungry::nope

[Nocioni]

Nocioni for the win

[T Park]

You started with obsessive eating again?!:nope:hungry::nope

You starting with obsessive stalking again?

[T Park]

Chill dude. She can root for whoever she wants. Like you always like saying, "It´s America"

I know, I'm just giving her a hard time.

Hey, she wants to root for the other team, shes gotta take what comes with it :)

[T Park]

actually this country was founded by low life scum who wanted to make their own rules, who wanted to kill those who didn't agree, and who thought they were entitled to such things by the hand of god.

don't be fooled. i love this country but damn if people act like it was founded by the best of society in hopes of creating a perfect world. it's the total opposite and to this day corruption and greed pave the way(like it has always done) to our demise.

ps: GO USA GO!


John Adams and such were low life scum?

Uh, far far from it. Take that BS somewhere else kiddo.

[T Park]

And I will be sure to vote Republican because I live in Texas. :lol

This country was founded by people who desired independence and the power to make their own decisions.

I may not be Uncle Sam's favorite niece but as long as I obey the law and send my tax payment yearly, I think I rank all right with the powers that be.


You don't have to vote republican.

Although that would be a step in the right direction :lol

[sendman]

You starting with obsessive stalking again?
Yup, you're my kind of guy.

[urunobili]

to whottt, Manny is shit and all fuckers disrespecting probably one of the best teams to ever play basketball together... FUCK YOU

timvp lame comments saying that team USA players have millions to lose without having in consideration they all have insurance where nor the player neither the franchise would lose a penny if a player goes down, shows a sense of desperation.

As for the other suck ups thinking that D-Wade, Le Bron, Kobe and Tayshaun Prince could stop Manu...

MORE THAN ONE TIME any of those 4 got FUCKED by Manu either on the regular season, playoffs and/or the Finals and on their own fucking Gym...

in addition International Manu > NBA Manu

even more funny... this thread has similar predictions to the bump of the 2004 one...

check my IP i am in Chicago and with my Argentine Scola Jersey on... Argentina may go down yes... but not without making you suffer first...

[T Park]

Yup, you're my kind of guy.

Apparently.

Get a life already.

[sendman]

Apparently.

Get a life already.

Yeah, I need something exiting like you are doing...something like posting 47.000 + posts on internet (at one site):lmao

[samikeyp]

I don't know if any of those guys can stop Manu but I know the US can beat Argentina. I still say by 15-20 poinits. I picked the US to win, am I a shit, a disrespecting fucker or a suck up? Just like to clarify. Thanks! :toast

[samikeyp]

Yeah, I need something exiting like you are doing...something like posting 47.000 + posts on internet (at one site):lmao

How can he be exiting and still be here?

;)

[polandprzem]

But don't act like the US players don't have heart, desire and care about winning just as much as the Argentinian players. Just because they're more talanted doesn't mean they lack heart or chemistry.

Well they are playing with fear of getting injured and losing big buck$$$

[T Park]

Yeah, I need something exiting like you are doing...something like posting 47.000 + posts on internet (at one site):lmao

you need exiting?

Ok just leave then.

[T Park]

Well they are playing with fear of getting injured and losing big buck$$$


If they had that fear they wouldn't be there in the first place.

[polandprzem]

Not to derail this entertaining thread, but you do understand that the system the US will build is designed to protect the USA not Poland. Poland will get some missile system and other weapons as payment for it though.

The USA has never (and never will) spend billions abroad for anybody's else's benefit but its own. There's nothing wrong with that. I just wish politicians and spin artist on both sides of the issue would be honest about it and stop treating us as idiots.

Right on a money.

This defense system can provide some local war. Well I mean Russia was very against it

[angel_luv]

You don't have to vote republican.

Although that would be a step in the right direction :lol

I voted for Bush in 2004, but I guess that only made up for my rooting for Argentina then, eh?:)

[sendman]

Dudes are you blind?

What are we talking about here? This year nobody can touch US team.
It is nice to see some underdog taking out some big gun. But how often does that happen?
US team had his fair share of blunders in previous years, but you don't really believe that that can continue, seriously do you??

[T Park]

I voted for Bush in 2004, but I guess that only made up for my rooting for Argentina then, eh?:)

Maybe.

:)

Your good people angel, and from what little I talked to Bo in May :lol, he is too. Good luck :)

[samikeyp]

Dudes are you blind?

What are we talking about here? This year nobody can touch US team.
It is nice to see some underdog taking out some big gun. But how often does that happen?
US team had his fair share of blunders in previous years, but you don't really believe that that can continue, seriously do you??

It can happen if a team is not properly prepared or taking the game as seriously as they should, as was the case in 2004. So far this year, neither of those things seems to be happening.

[ATX Spur]

USA 86 - Argentina 84

[T Park]

It can happen if a team is not properly prepared or taking the game as seriously as they should, as was the case in 2004. So far this year, neither of those things seems to be happening.

Yeah, Nate McMillan is doin a hell of a job :)

[polandprzem]

If they had that fear they wouldn't be there in the first place.

Yea they would be in the second








haha

[T Park]

Yea they would be in the second








haha


haha

I see what you did there. But, you know what I mean :)

[polandprzem]

Okay

All in all americans will be well motivated to crush Argies, and in this turnament I think it is the last chance to beat this USA squad.

In 2000 There were some problems with motivation. Americans were going to nightclubs and staying late having party.
Now it seems like they want to prove they are the best with no contest.

I just wonder for how long they will be willing to stay in that scheudle (NBA + FIBA)

[polandprzem]

btw. TPark 2 more games and a relief

Then you can shit your pants thinking about Manu playing in a backyard
All in all they are not paying him to play there also.

[duncan228]

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/basketball/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=US-Argentina-080821

Team USA looking forward to renewing rivalry with Argentina
By Chris Sheridan

BEIJING -- Only one team in the world has defeated the United States twice since NBA players started representing America.

It was the first team to do it, back in 2002, and it was the one that knocked Team USA out of gold-medal contention in Athens four years ago.

And if Team USA finds itself playing for bronze instead of gold on Sunday, it'll be because of the South American nation that has played the Americans the toughest when the stakes have been the highest:

Argentina.

The team that has what Team USA wants. The team whose fans' sing-songy chants the U.S. federation has grown sick and tired of hearing.

Tip-off is on Friday at 10:15 a.m. ET, with the winner getting a chance two days later to earn the right to call itself either Numero Uno or No. 1. Team USA is a 19½-point favorite.

"We've got a great history with them, so it's going to be a great battle," Dwyane Wade said. "This is a team that has been playing better as the games have progressed, and they are playing good. It's going to be a great test for us, and I wouldn't want it any other way."

Argentina had a harder time getting out of the quarterfinals than the Americans did, its fate hanging in the balance as a 3-point shot by Vassilis Spanoulis of Greece arched through the air in the final seconds on Wednesday night, hitting the rim and failing to go in. The Argentineans embraced each other, trudged exhaustedly to their locker room, then got started on the task of trying to find a way to defeat the best-looking team the United States has put on a basketball court this decade.

"We've got to play the perfect game, and they've got to miss more than usual," Luis Scola said. "But it's only one game, that's all it takes -- 40 minutes. We going to play the best way we can, and try to do what looks impossible right now."

The teams have played eight times since 1999, back when a then-unheard-of teenager named Andres Nocioni posterized Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett during a preliminary round game at the Tournament of the Americas inside a hot, humid gymnasium in San Juan, Puerto Rico -- a dunk that served notice there was a new kid on the Pan American block.

Argentina did not qualify for the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, but the 2002 team came to Indianapolis for the world championship with another new face, Manu Ginobili, bursting onto the scene, and helping to hand the Americans their first loss in an international competition since professionals were first allowed to compete 10 years earlier.

Revenge was on the Americans' mind a year later when Team USA faced Argentina again at the Tournament of the Americas inside that same sweltering gym in Puerto Rico, and the teams played a tight one in the opening round -- Team USA winning by eight -- before the Americans steamrolled Argentina by 33 in the gold-medal match a week later.

But then came the semifinals of the 2004 Olympics, and the Americans -- after defeating an undefeated Spain team in the quarterfinals behind a U.S. Olympic-record 31 points from Stephon Marbury -- were thoroughly outexecuted and outfinessed in an 89-81 loss that relegated them to the bronze-medal game.

"Both were pretty big, the first one was the first one overall, and that's always big," Scola said. "Nobody had beaten them before, and we did it first. It was important for us because if we lost that game we had to play Serbia in the quarterfinal, and that would have been pretty tough, but our victory put us against Brazil and it made our way into the final much easier.

"The second one gave us a silver medal, at least, and it was the second time, which was harder."

Team USA is 3-0 against Argentina since then, winning the bronze-medal game at the 2006 world championship in Japan, then defeating it twice in the 2007 Tournament of the Americas in Las Vegas when many of Argentina's best players decided to sit out.

But two of those key missing players -- Nocioni and Ginobili -- are back this summer, and Argentina has been performing a little better each night as the Olympic tournament has progressed.

"They will attack us with their system, and they believe they can beat us," said chief U.S. scout Tony Ronzone, who stayed up with the American coaching staff until 4 a.m. on Thursday reviewing game tapes and tinkering with the game plan for the renewal of the rivalry.

The winner will face Spain or Lithuania in the gold-medal game at 2:30 a.m. ET on Sunday -- the final event before the Olympic Closing Ceremony.

"They've definitely found the way to play the FIBA game, and they're playing way better," Scola told ESPN.com. "They have players that are superstars, but they have a commitment, they want to win and they prepare, and they know what they're doing.

"They've been playing great, I've been watching them. They beat Spain by 40 points [actually 37], and that's not easy to do -- I'm telling you that right now," Scola said.

Team USA is averaging a tournament-high 105.2 points per game, while Argentina has had the second-best defense, allowing 73.2. The Americans lead all teams in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, while Argentina has committed the fewest turnovers of any team still alive.

Argentina prefers to play man-to-man defense, and Scola said his team has not played one single second of zone during the tournament. That could change if Argentina adapts one of the few defensive styles that have been effective -- to use that word loosely -- against Team USA, but it's likely the teams will go at each other straight up as the game goes through its early stages.

With national team mainstays Walter Herrmann and Pepe Sanchez opting not to play this summer, Argentina's rotation has been reduced to six key players: Pablo Prigioni at point guard, Ginobili at shooting guard, Nocioni at small forward, Scola at power forward and Fabricio Oberto at center. Carlos Delfino is the sixth man, but the talent level drops off considerably after that. To make matters worse, Nocioni has been slowed by a knee injury.

Kobe Bryant gets the defensive assignment on Ginobili, and the Americans will attack the basket and try to get Argentina in foul trouble to make it go deep into its bench.

"I can't wait. I can't wait to get over that hump," Carmelo Anthony said. "These last two games, there's no reason to hold anything back. To be a champion you have to beat a champion. They still have the gold medal, no matter who won the world championship in '06. We have to go out there and take that from them."