Olympics: Canada’s Win Over Australia Gives Greece One Last Chance – Qualifying Scenarios Explained

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The National Basketball Team’s hope for advancing in the Olympic Games hinges on Canada’s victory over Australia, which has given Greece a glimmer of hope. After Greece’s loss to Spain in their second group match left them in a challenging position, the Canadian win provided a crucial opportunity for Greece to qualify for the next phase of the tournament.

Match Summary

Greece needed a win by Canada over Australia to avoid an early exit from the competition. Despite a tense first half where Australia led 45-49, Canada surged in the second half and ultimately secured a 93-83 victory. The quarter scores were 26-28, 45-49, 72-70, and 93-83.

What Does Greece Need to Qualify?

To advance, Greece must win their upcoming match against Australia, but even with a victory, their qualification is not guaranteed. Greece could still be eliminated based on points difference or by not being one of the two best third-placed teams across the groups.

Qualification Scenarios

The final matches are Greece vs. Australia and Canada vs. Spain. Here are the possible scenarios:

  1. Greece Win, Spain Win:
    • Spain takes 1st place and Greece finishes 3rd. Greece will need to hope they are one of the two best third-placed teams.
    • Standings: Spain 2-1, Canada 2-1, Greece 1-2, Australia 1-2.
  2. Greece Win, Canada Win:
    • This scenario leads to a three-way tie between Greece, Spain, and Australia, all with records of 1 win and two losses. The tiebreaker will be the points difference, considering only games between the tied teams.
    • Tie-Breaker Scenarios:
      • A. Greece Wins by Up to 2 Points: Greece finishes 4th with a points difference of -5. Spain is 3rd (also -5 but wins head-to-head against Greece), and Australia is 2nd with a points difference of +10.
      • B. Greece Wins by 3 to 9 Points: Greece secures 3rd place in the tie with Australia (2nd) and Spain (4th), and will await confirmation as one of the two best third-placed teams.
      • C. Greece Wins by 10 or More Points: Greece finishes 2nd in the three-way tie with Australia and Spain.

Upcoming Matches

  • Australia vs. Greece: August 2, 14:30
  • Canada vs. Spain: August 2, 18:15

Previous Results:

  • Game 1:
    • Australia 92-80 Spain
    • Greece 79-86 Canada
  • Matchday 2 (July 30):
    • Spain 84-77 Greece
    • Canada vs. Australia (14:30)

Group Standings:

  • Canada 2-0
  • Spain 1-1
  • Australia 1-1
  • Greece 0-2