Tiago Splitter tells Brazil to avoid complacency against Argentina

Tiago Splitter

Madrid, Sep 6 (IANS)

Brazil centre Tiago Splitter Saturday warned that the satisfaction of qualifying for the knockout phase of the FIBA World Cup should not lead to his side relaxing in their last 16 tie against Argentina.

Brazil's basketball team finished second in Group A of the competition with only the defeat to hosts Spain to dent their record and that gives them a chance to avenge the 89-93 defeat they suffered against Argentina in the World Cup four years ago, reports Xinhua.

"This is the most important moment of the championship," said Splitter looking ahead to Sunday's grudge match between the two South American neighbours and traditional rivals.

Splitter warned that the Brazilians have a habit of playing well in their group matches, but spoiling that with inconsistent play in the knockout phase.

"This is the stage when we usually stumble with very complicated and uncharacteristic games. We'll take each game at a time," he told the official FIBA website, adding that pre-game preparation was vital.

"We have to avoid these inconsistencies and try to play with intensity for 40 minutes because we want to make it to the semi-finals, at least. We have to play well, and we will also watch videos of our opponents and find answers to what they do best," said Splitter.