By Giorgos Orfanakis/info@eurohoops.net
Spain’s victory over France and the big surprise of the Lithuanians against the Serbians means that the two teams will face each other in Sundays’ final. Spain and Lithuania are set for another tough battle between them, with the winner claiming the gold medal in the Eurobasket, as very few people were expecting that these two teams would be the final’s pair.
The Spaniards, despite the vital absences of Juan Carlos Navarro, Jose Calderon, Ricky Rubio and Marc Gasol, overcame any obstacles they faced and are now a step away from the ultimate triumph. But, the same happens with the shocking Lithuanians as well, who also had limited solutions. The duo of Mantas Kalnietis and Jonas Valanciunas is impressive and the passionate Jonas Maciulis have led Lithuania a breath away from the first place of the tournament.
As Maciulis sends a clear message that “we are going to get the job done” and Pau Gasol admits that “…every gold medal has a special value”, Spain and Lithuania prepare for the 10th battle between the two. In the previous nine games, Gasol and company have prevailed in seven of them (7-2 record), while Lithuania can be proud of their great victory in the 2003 Eurobasket’s final. Since that match, only Felipe Reyes and Gasol will be present. Although Real Madrid‘s captain said that “2003 has passed”, Spain proved against France that they will take advantage of any opportunity for revenge. Will Lithuania exceed the expectations again or Spain will prevail again?
Eurohoops.net reminds the prehistory between the two teams, including the big final of 2003.
| Year | Competition | Game |
| 1997 | Eurobasket | Spain – Lithuania 94-93 |
| 1998 | World Cup | Spain – Lithuania 86-80 |
| 1999 | Eurobasket | Spain – Lithuania 74-72 |
| 2003 | Eurobasket | Lithuania – Spain 93-84 |
| 2006 | World CUp | Spain – Lithuania 89-67 |
| 2008 | Olympic Games | Spain – Lithuania 91-86 |
| 2009 | Eurobasket | Spain – Lithuania 84-70 |
| 2010 | World Cup | Lithuania – Spain 76-73 |
| 2011 | Eurobasket | Spain – Lithuania 91-79 |