WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPAIN 1986
The 24 teams were divided into four groups of six based in Zaragoza, Ferrol, Malaga and Santa
Cruz de Tenerife. The top three teams in each group would go through to two semi-final groups,
one in Barcelona and the other in Oviedo. The losing three teams would return home as the
unattractive consolation phase had been abolished. The final phase, held in Madrid would be a
cross system with the teams from one semi-final group playing teams from the other according to
their classification (first against second, third against fourth and fifth against sixth). Finally the
definitive matches would also be held in Madrid
SPAIN RUNS INTO COMPLICATIONS
The opening ceremony took place on 5 July in the “Principle Felipe” stadium in Zaragoza. Together
with Spain in Group A were Brazil, Greece, France, Panama and South Korea. The hosts were
sorely lacking a guard and had a torrid time. They beat France with some difficulty (84-80), South
Korea easily (120-73), miraculously against Greece (87-86) and without problems against
Panama (125-70) and this inconsistency culminated in a defeat against Brazil (86-72).
This defeat was a severe setback. Brazil finished unbeaten and the scores from the first round
were carried through to the semi-final group. Spain therefore started the semis with a
disadvantage of a defeat and it seemed as though they would have to defeat the USSR to qualify
in a position that would allow them to contend for the medals. Thanks to a victory over France,
Greece took the third qualifying spot to go through with Brazil and Spain.
In Ferrol the USSR, now led by Vladimir Obukhov, crushed all their rivals and justified their
condition of hot favourites. Israel and Cuba, the latter on goal difference from Australia, were the
other two qualifiers from this group.
The US performances in Malaga raised doubts about their abilities. Their young team, with one
player injured, struggled to beat Puerto Rico (73-72) and demonstrated more athletic prowess
than talent. Although they won their five games the team did not convince everyone. Italy and the
ever improving Peoples' Republic of China also qualified at the expense of Puerto Rico and
Germany.
In the final group held in Tenerife Yugoslavia, led by Kresimir Cosic and Vrankovic, alternated
between triumphs on the court and scandal off-court (Vrankovic was accused of raping a
waitress). The new generation of Yugoslav talent, headed by Drazen Petrovic displayed a mixture
of basketball talent and bad manners and seemed to be one of the favourites for the title. Canada
(83-80) was the only team to cause them any problems. Their five victories only served to
increase their self-centredness. They were joined in the semi finals in Oviedo by Canada and
Argentina.
After the first round most people agreed that the title was destined for either the USSR or
Yugoslavia. It also demonstrated lack of confidence in the USA, the return of Brazil, the rise of
Greece and the suspicion that Spain was fading from the international scene. It was clear that
there were huge differences in quality between the top teams and the rest and on a sporting level
the 24 team format had not been a success although it had convinced the weaker nations.
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FUNDACIÓN PEDRO FERRÁNDIZ