NBA big guns give Germany the edge
ATHENS (Reuters) - Dirk Nowitzki is arguably Europe's most successful basketball export but it could be Germany's newest recruit Chris Kaman who gives them the edge in the quarter-finals of the Olympic qualifiers in Athens on Friday.
The Los Angeles Clippers centre only received his passport last week but was slipped straight into the side for the opening group match against Cape Verde.
He made an immediate impression and followed up with a 20-point performance against New Zealand.
"It has been hard work for Chris because although he is a great player he has had to fit in quickly with the chemistry of the team. But he has been fantastic," said team mate Konrad Wysocki.
The Germans look heavy favorites to beat Brazil and progress to a semi-final against Canada or Croatia.
The Croatians produced a stunning comeback to beat Puerto Rico in the group game on Wednesday.
"I have respect for Canada, but as long as we play as we did today for 30 minutes, we will for sure earn a berth in the semi-finals," said Croatia guard Roko Leni Ukic.
On the other side of the draw, hosts Greece also look like favorites to make it through against New Zealand.
"You ask me about which team I prefer to play at the quarter-finals?" said New Zealand head coach Nenad Vucinic.
"Well, you don't have to be a nuclear scientist to go with the team that is not playing at home. Greece is a good team and facing them in front of their own fans will be a difficult mission."
In the other quarter-final, Slovenia, impressive in the group stages, take on the Puerto Ricans.
"We have to remain optimistic and think positive," said Puerto Rican guard Larry Ayuso.
"Slovenia is a very good team and we must play concentrated for 40 minutes. We don't have a choice if we want to qualify for the Olympic Games."
The winners of the two semi-finals will automatically qualify for the Beijing Olympics with the last place going to the winner of a playoff between the two losing semi-finalists.
Angola, Argentina, Australia, China, Iran, Lithuania, Russia, Spain and the United States have already qualified.
(Editing by Peter Rutherford)
(For more stories visit our multimedia website "Road to Beijing" here; and see our blog at blogs.reuters.com/china)
