The Heart of Spain is Tearing Down the Wall of China

They weren’t a warm-up act. Dream Teamwhich played some time later. It was a giant team with unwavering faith that built the wall step by step. in one of those games that is worth more than winning and is remembered for years to come. In an impressive exercise with resistance Spain beat China (90-89) at its premiere at the Games, Included in the extra time, in which, with the score 7-6 at the start, they did not take the lead until the 33rd minute, already in extra time. And in a game that was never stopped, although there were times when victory seemed unattainable. This gives more merit to the victory, which also brings us closer to the quarter-finals. arrival at the main Olympic villagefrom Paris, where it was for this match that they would have earned the applause of the Spanish delegationThe match raised Canarian Leo Rodriguez by 25 points. who scored an epic triple goal that sent the game into overtime, and Megan Gustafsona naturalized center with a natural card, who scored 29 points and showed a huge talent for the game of basketball. The fans at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium vibrated and said goodbye to the main characters of the match as if they were heroines. It was a great basketball morning.

With the legendary Yao Ming as the patriarch, a charming figure on the bench, China showed off their weapons early in the game. Besiktas’ 2-metre centre Yueru Li was penalised from the inside. Outside, Shijin Huang’s three-pointers became the weapon. With confidence buoyed by being ranked second in the world and a choice made just at the right moment, Wei Zheng’s team, led by Spanish assistant Cesar Ruperez, quickly took advantage of the scoreboard. Miguel Mendez wanted to drown out the static play of the eastern bases with the help of Queralt Casas.Xiyu Wang and Yuan Li, but soon opened a gap: 13-22 at the end of the first quarter with a poor performance in the team of 25% (4/16).

Alba Torrens appeared on court and Spain responded: although in the first part he was supported by the Canarians Leo Rodriguez, who directed, gave orders, spurred and launched: eleven points. And of course, Megan Gustafson. The Wisconsin center moves skillfully in the post. At times, it seemed like the team had little support on offense. In the first part, The former Iowa star threw just eight times. (eleven points). Although China denied him some actions, it was clear that the victory of the national team, which He can’t count on Maria Conde yet and misses Raquel Carrera’s absence. The best thing about the first half was that despite limited resources, Spain were still in the game (33-37).

China unveiled the Mengran Sun map in Q3. His inside play, closer to Yuer, hurt Spain, who continued to hold on to the game for dear life. even a three from Laura Gil, which the Murcia native noted with fury. Miguel Mendez called time in the 28th minute of play with the score 46-55. The team tried to get out of the first limit situation: 53-59 at the end of the third quarter.

The quarters flowed like drops of water, with China’s lead always fluctuating between four and eight points. The photo had to be changed somehow if the team wanted to add their first victory. And Spain was for this work. Megan Gustafson’s basket with 4:19 left in the game gave the National Team a two-point lead (65-67). for the first time practically in the world. Zheng asked for time, and Mendes put his gala quintet on everything. At 3:29, Spain managed to tie the score thanks to Leo’s basket (67-67). Then Yueru Li appeared. Two baskets and one extra basket made the game almost impossible for the team (67-72 after two minutes), but Leo Rodriguez, his game superb, left the lead at two with three free throws. With 34.2 seconds left and after reviewing a baseline shot that went against Spain, Meng Li’s two shots left the game tied at 70-74. However, the girls refused to give up the spoon. Two plus one from Queralt left the game tied at 73-75. Meng Li missed one of his two free throws and with the score 73-76 Leo Rodriguez pulled a tantalizing three out of his sleeve and added an extra kick. There were six seconds left. The canary, however, He made a personal mistake and the game went into extra time.

Paradoxically, Spain took the lead for the first time since the opening 7-6 in extra time. It happened after Megan Gustafson scored a basket with 3:35 left in overtime. Everyone was already in the game. Maite Cazorla, Maria Araujo, replacement for the outgoing Laura Gil… The game hasn’t stopped offering twists and turns, but Megan Gusfason was at the matchan ace up FEB’s sleeve to boost the talent of a team that won with all its heart a match that will remain in Olympic memory.