WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SPAIN 1986
USA RETURN TO FORM
There was great excitement in the semi-final groups. Brazil remained strong and beat Cuba (99-
83) and Israel (90-75). These two victories meant that Spain needed to beat the USSR to
maintain their chances of the title. After the setback in Colombia (8 th place) Brazil had returned to
form under the guiding hand of Ari Ventura Vidal. Oscar Schmidt was shooting like a machine gun
and battling under the hoop were the athletic Gerson Victalino, the youngsters Pipoca and
Ferreira, and the solid Israel Madiado.
Spain arrived in Barcelona prepared to risk all on a single card in order to reach Madrid with
chances of the title. They had