Barcelona |
Sep 26
2011
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Spain storm to victory in the European Championships
This week, after beating Macedonia to reach the final, Spain conceeded a 98-85 to become Europen champions for the second year running. Carlos Navarro top scored with 27 points, while Memphis Grizzlies star Gasol chipped in with a double-double, adding 17 points and 10 rebounds for Spain. Despite Tony Parker scoring 26 points for France, the Spaniards put up a fight and saw them off in the final quarters. This is the second year running Spain have won the tournament after beating Serbia to reach the final in 2009.
‘La seleccion espanola’ or the Spanish national team is run by the Spanish basketball federation and was formed in 1935. Over the years the teams have enjoyed many successes since then, including second place at the first ever European championships in 1935 and a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. They are currently second in the world FIBA rankings for men and current European champions.
The Spanish national team has been described as one of the best Spanish teams along with the national football team and people gathered in apartments all over Barcelona to watch the game and celebrate the victory. Many of Barcelona’s bars showed the game, as well as the final of tennis’ Davies cup, another face off between France and Spain.
President Zapatero has even congratulated the team on their performance, saying ‘you showed a great example of sportsmanship and your spirit of clean play and not being afraid of any team will remain in Spain for many years’
Both France and Spain have now qualified for the London Olympics next year and both have high medal hopes.
