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After a thrilling 10 days of action, the group stage of the FIBA World Cup 2019 is now in the books. The field has been narrowed from 32 teams to just eight, with Argentina, Serbia, Spain, Poland, United States, France, Australia, and the Czech Republic advancing to the knockout phase.
A number of big teams such as Italy have missed out following underwhelming performances, while Giannis Antetokounmpo will also be missing as his Greek side failed to beat the Czech Republic by the 12 point margin needed to advance.
While all eight of the remaining teams will be hopeful of mounting a challenge over the next six days, it is fair to state that certain nations are better positioned to leave China with the trophy. So, ahead of the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup, here are how the five favorites to take home the title.
#5 France
The French possess one of the best rosters at the World Cup, although the team has struggled to hit top form in China. While they have recorded easy wins over Jordan and the Dominican Republic, they needed plenty of luck in wins over Germany and Lithuania.
A poor defensive performance in Game 5 against Australia also resulted in a surprise loss and France now face a tough path to the Final as they will face the Americans before a potential semi-final matchup with Serbia.
With a roster brimming with NBA talent such as Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier, and Nicolas Batum, the French can beat anyone when playing to their full potential, although it will be difficult for them to put together three big performances in a row to secure the title.
#4 Australia
In the buildup to the World Cup, Australia became the first team for 13 years to beat the United States, yet many experts still ruled the Boomers out as contenders in China. However, the team has set out to silence its doubters, and a narrow 100-98 victory over France ensured a 5-0 record heading into the knockout stages.
More importantly, the Australian's will avoid facing the USA in the quarter-finals, and the Boomers have also landed on the opposite side of the draw to Serbia and Argentina. The Australian's defense remains a concern, although with Patty Mills playing some of the best basketball of his career and Joe Ingles doing what he does best, the Boomers will feel that they have a real shot of reaching the Final in Beijing.
#3 Spain
Entering the World Cup, many labeled the Spanish roster as underwhelming when compared to recent squads. However, the 2006 champions have responded by putting together five straight wins - including an exceptional win over the pre-tournament favorites Serbia.
During the surprise win over the Serbians, Ricky Rubio finished with 19 points as well as five rebounds, four assists, and a steal. The point guard has been among the most impressive performers in China, and Spain can also call upon the impact of Marc Gasol and Sergio Llull.
Spain's offense has been somewhat of concern throughout the tournament, although a 32 point second quarter against Serbia highlighted its potential. On the defensive end, the Spanish have yet to concede more than 70 points, and they are also on the opposite side of the bracket to the USA and Serbia.
#2 Serbia
Serbia started the World Cup as the favorites, and the team lived up to expectations by recording dominant victories in each of their four opening games. However, the Serbians' excellent start was halted on Sunday during a surprise loss to Spain. Nikola Jokic was ejected in the third quarter after picking up two technical fouls, although the Spanish were already in control as Serbia struggled to stop a talented Spanish backcourt.
While the team has used its strength and height advantage to bully the tournament's minnows, the Serbians won't be able to rely on this strategy in the knockout round, and the team must find a different way to win. Due to this, the Serbians are no longer the favorites, although the form of Bogdan Bogdanovic and the presence of Jokic keeps them in contention.
#1 USA
USA entered the tournament under a cloud after a host of NBA stars opted to withdraw from the squad. However, Gregg Popovich has regrouped with a blend of veterans and young talent, and his side have performed better than expected
Admittedly, the overtime Game 2 victory over Turkey was worrying, although the United States has responded with comfortable wins over Japan, Greece, and Brazil. The win over Greece was especially impressive as Popovich found a way to halt Giannis Antetokounmpo, and his superior coaching knowledge provides a significant advantage for the Americans.
Kemba Walker has also defied expectations to step up as the influential leader that the roster needed, while Donovan Mitchell, Myles Turner, and Jaylen Brown have all impressed. Ultimately, this isn't close to being another Dream Team, although the American's head into the knockout stage in a powerful position to take home the gold.
