Anyone Got A Slingshot?

When Russia take on Spain in Sunday's EuroBasket final, European basketball will witness a true David (Blatt) and Goliath showdown.

Russia's aim before this year's EuroBasket was to qualify for the Olympics.

For tournament hosts Spain however, only a gold medal was acceptable after claiming silver on five previous trips in this event.

Spain, by virtue of their world title triumph over Greece last year in Japan, booked a place at next year's Beijing Games.

Because of past near-misses in EuroBaskets and with this year's tournament being staged in Madrid, the European Championship has remained hugely important for the team, the federation and fans.

Russia will have no pressure on them when they run to the court for the final time on Sunday at the Palacio de Deportes.

"We are in the Olympic Games and that was our goal," said Andrei Kirilenko.

"They are the hosts, we can play great and we need to pick it up ourselves and play the same kind of defense as tonight, if we do, we will be fine."

click for more details

source : eurobasket2007.org