Argentina-Brazil will be 'war' claims coach Hernandez

Sep 1, 2007 - 4:08 PM By Gabriel Batalla Special to PA SportsTicker

LAS VEGAS (Ticker) - The FIBA Americas Championship showdown between Argentina and Brazil is going to be a 'war'.

That's what Argentina coach Sergio Hernandez is expecting because at stake is an Olympic qualifying berth.

"Both teams' players are going to give their lives on the court and it will be a war," Hernandez said to La Nacion newspaper.

"We have to make sure we are aware of Leandrinho's (Leandro Barbosa's) quick shots. To win, we have to control the marksmen and at least be equal in the fight for the rebounds."

Hernandez's men have already beaten Brazil once, coming from 17 points down to win their quarterfinal round game, 86-79.

That result has filled Hernandez with confidence.

"Brazil made every possible adjustment against Argentina and it wasn't enough," Hernandez said.

"We didn't do anything special and won without playing well."

Argentina must win to be able to defend its Olympic title in Beijing next year.

"I have one last shot, the last bullet, and it must go directly to the heart," Hernandez said.

He is haunted by last year's near-miss at the FIBA World Championship.

Argentina had a chance to beat Spain in the semifinal but Andres Nocioni only drew rim with a 3-point attempt from the right corner as time expired.

"Something always happened that didn't allow us to reach the summit," Hernandez said. "Nocioni's 3-pointer that didn't go in is proof.

"If that were to happen in the Argentinian Liga Nacional, I'm sure that the ball would go in."