BSNblog

At the end of basketball selection of Spain pulled out a thorn, the spine of the Olympic quarter-finals. Today resulted in a resounding 72-59 victory againts Croatia in the Olympic Games of Beijing 2008.

The next step will be getting what Spain can not Los Angeles since 1984: an Olympic final. The team AIT Garcia Reneses morning to face Lithuania, which beat China today by 94-68.

But before the semifinals, the world champion still chasing the stigma suffered by the disposal in the quarterfinals of Athens 2004, in an unexpected crossing against the United States.

That's why the match today before Croatia was special, a sort of Olympic revenge.

"We are very pleased with the outcome. Being in the Olympic semifinals was something we had outstanding and fortunately we succeed, "acknowledged Pau Gasol, again figure in Spain with 20 points.

"The quarter-finals you can make the outcome unfairly championship, if you stay or you go to your house. So now we are happy about the result and already thinking about the semifinals, "added the Los Angeles Lakers player.

The victorious team led by Garcia Reneses was never in danger. Spain closed the first quarter by a margin of 11 points (22-11), the second also by 11 (37-26), the third by 13 (51-38) and the fourth, again, by 13 (72-59 ).

In addition to an ignition Gasol, the world champions exhibited defensive pressure than ever could be resolved by his rival.

The Croats finished the match with an average scorer very low: only 44 per cent in doubles (15/34) and 26 percent in triples (5 / 19).

"We played with great defensive intensity, and we removed pressure in attack, because we knew we could be more or less successful, that we were covered up. We were at the top since the beginning, "said the player Los Angeles Lakers.

His brother Marc concurred: "In defence we have made an almost perfect job." Garcia also praised the defensive strength of Spain.

"We have achieved a good job back, with great concentration. In attack we were not at the same height, the level was slightly lower than the defense. But the team has played well in general, "said the coach.

Already among the top four Beijing 2008, now Spain will seek to obtain its first gold medal. In the semifinals on Friday to face Lithuania, a team that, as Pau Gasol, has much talent. Complete Medal Standings on BSNblog.