FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 - Betting and Discussions

[Hypnosis00]

And for Iran, I will surely be surprised if I could see the Immortal Hamed Haddadi playing at FIBA ^^^

Unfortunately he will not be able to play in the FIBA world cup due to an injury.

You can read the full story here : 2023 FIBA World Cup: Hamed Haddadi could miss tournament for Iran due to injury

Iran national team star and legend Hamde Haddadi might miss next month's 2023 FIBA World Cup. Haddadi is still recovering from foot surgery performed last January and is considered doubtful for the upcoming tournament.

In an interview with the Tehran Times, Haddadi provided an update about his recovery. He has returned to training and started working on his fitness. However, he's unsure if he will be fully healthy in time for the World Cup.

And besides, he is already 38 years, so the recovery period might take long for him and they don't want to risk a Hamed Haddadi that is not fully healed to play with the younger and more physical guys.

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[AHOYBRAUSE]

Today will be another set of friendly matches, also the rematch of 2 days ago, Greece vs Slovenia ( I guess this time in Greece since it stands in front).

Japan is also playing in 2 hours, it's their second game vs NZ. Since both are world cup participants you can expect a nice game as well.
Finland tests vs Lithuania tonight, it's interesting to watch from a German point of view since the Fins are in our group. Lithuania in their first test had a tough match against another participant with Georgia, losing a 18 point lead in the 4th just to get the tie with possession and win it on the buzzer.

Another interesting match will be Italy vs Turkey. Both are young teams that are hungry and Italy play a good role in the world cup if things fit together. Unfortunately Turkey didn't qualify.

I love those friendlies before big tournaments! Makes the wait short and brings some excitement.

[YuginKadoya]

Sorry but I am biased with the Philippines yeah I really don't want to be regarding that this is a Sport where everything can surely happen but As I watch the games of the Philippines against Iran I was quite amazed at what the Philippines can do now on what I remember back then here is the video of the friendly match for the Philippines VS Iran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbDGSnED7ZA

And against Senegal, I really think that the Philippines did great in this match and this is without Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson, and Scottie Thompson, pretty much the Philippines team is making progress in their training for sure they will make a big impact when Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson would play with them, here is the Philippines VS Senegal game, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdIux7z8r3w

[danherbias07]

Look who's playing for Canada, it was Dillon "Dynasty" Brooks for sure Canada needs him to trash talk again for sure, but as a teammate Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, Kelly Olynyk, and Jamal Murray, this could become a power team, because the Scrubb siblings are not slack at all,

Hilarious.
But he cannot do those dirty work at FIBA because he will definitely be called by the referees. They are not soft out there when it comes to the rules and they are strict when it comes to trash-talking and bad moves.
I don't think Jamal Murray will play, I have not seen a confirmation yet if he play or not but maybe soon we will get an answer about that.
But, they do have SGA so I think Canada is in good hands.

[quote author=owengtam09 link=topic=5461543.msg62644238#msg62644238
And  surely the USA which consists only of NBA players is surely a power team in its own right sure they didn't put some veterans in there and consist only of 12 players while the other teams got almost consist of 20 to 22 teams if I am right,
[/quote]
12 young players is all they need, maybe they will just add some bench players to complete that number. But even if the players they registered now are young, they are mostly effective when it comes to offense and defense. It's a good thing, they can also play at a high level of speed.

Today will be another set of friendly matches, also the rematch of 2 days ago, Greece vs Slovenia ( I guess this time in Greece since it stands in front).

Greece is strong even without Giannis, defeating Slovenia in that exhibition match was an amazing performance for them.

And against Senegal, I really think that the Philippines did great in this match and this is without Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson, and Scottie Thompson, pretty much the Philippines team is making progress in their training for sure they will make a big impact when Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson would play with them, here is the Philippines VS Senegal game, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdIux7z8r3w

Here's the news about Kai Sotto's chance to play in FIBA.

By his own estimate, young Filipino slotman Kai Sotto believes he'll be ready to play for Gilas Pilipinas by the time the national team faces Montenegro and Mexico in a pair of tuneup matches, just days before the start of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/08/05/sports/kai-sotto-reaffirms-commitment-for-gilas/1904009
I didn't know he was hurt. Well, this is good news since they put a timeline on when he will be back, let's see if he can play on time.

[wheelz1200]

Sorry but I am biased with the Philippines yeah I really don't want to be regarding that this is a Sport where everything can surely happen but As I watch the games of the Philippines against Iran I was quite amazed at what the Philippines can do now on what I remember back then here is the video of the friendly match for the Philippines VS Iran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbDGSnED7ZA

And against Senegal, I really think that the Philippines did great in this match and this is without Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson, and Scottie Thompson, pretty much the Philippines team is making progress in their training for sure they will make a big impact when Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson would play with them, here is the Philippines VS Senegal game, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdIux7z8r3w

I read through this entire thread and honestly was trying to see what this tourney was all about.  Was shocked to see Jordan Clarkson plays for the Philippines.  Has he always played for them in international play?  I'm a huge fan of his play in the NBA but just always thought he was of US dissent. He reminds me of Lou Williams career.  6th man type but who.could star on a younger type team.

[Yaunfitda]

Sorry but I am biased with the Philippines yeah I really don't want to be regarding that this is a Sport where everything can surely happen but As I watch the games of the Philippines against Iran I was quite amazed at what the Philippines can do now on what I remember back then here is the video of the friendly match for the Philippines VS Iran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbDGSnED7ZA

That was a display of sweet shooting from the Philippines. But this is not the best Iran team if I'm not mistaken? This is Iran B and no Haddadi, which seems to be the tormentor of Philippines team if I'm not mistaken. But they have improved a lot though and now they have Jordan Clarkson to boot.

And against Senegal, I really think that the Philippines did great in this match and this is without Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson, and Scottie Thompson, pretty much the Philippines team is making progress in their training for sure they will make a big impact when Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson would play with them, here is the Philippines VS Senegal game, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdIux7z8r3w

Yes, it seems that Philippines as host wanted to proved something and even if they are not fielding their best players, they have like a deep bench that can still play very good. So it's interesting how the Philippines will go on FIBA 2023, maybe they will get a W here.

@wheelz1200 - Yes, this is not the first time that Clarkson is going to play with Philippines, if I'm not mistaken, there is still one NBA player that should play as well in this tournament.

[owengtam09]

His trash talk would not work because this is an international competition, and teams are highly competitive. Players like Luka and the current number 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, even said that the NBA is less physical compared to their leagues before. So, Brooks should not focus on his trash talk; instead, he should play hard and physical to live up to the expectations of the fans.

The current lineup of Canada has some players who are superstars in the NBA. However, I'm looking at the team chemistry more than the individual players on the team. With that said, I stick with the more consistent teams, particularly Spain (despite less Gasol).

Well, that is his specialty in trash talking so I will not be surprised if he can accumulate a disaster in the FIBA but if he can surely use his physicality in most match up's then maybe he would rather have the humility in taking into consideration his action before doing it, I have seen his interviews as a Houston Rocket player just now, he looks nicer? Humble? maybe this is a good start the Houston Rockets have given him a new opportunity to strive so he needs to use this not in bad-mouthing others but to show his old teams that he can do better this time, I am surely for the change and everybody can surely change and I think Brooks really need to reflect what he has done wrong when he was on the Memphis Grizzlies and apply a positive one when playing with the Houston Rockets this time,

Even the NBA knows that they are sending inexperience players in the FIBA world cup 2023.

We can read this interesting article below from their website.

https://www.nba.com/news/usa-basketball-roster-2023-fiba-world-cup

The 2019 team had Harrison Barnes (2016 Olympics) and Mason Plumlee (2014 World Cup). And every other U.S. team comprised of NBA players also had at least two guys with Senior-Team experience. Even the first team of NBA players (1992 Dream Team) had five – Patrick Ewing (1984 Olympics), Michael Jordan (’84), Christian Laettner (1990 World Championship), Chris Mullin (’84) and David Robinson (1986 World Championship and 1988 Olympics) – who had played on the Senior level previously.

Every member of the 2023 team will be playing in his first Senior-level international tournament. It’s different than anything else they’ve ever experienced, especially when it comes to the single-elimination, knockout round.

However, despite that, they are still the number 1 favorite to win. I'm thinking, aren't the bookies just making them overvalued as they know the bettors will bite on the odds? When we talk about "Team USA," it's a popular team and they have more gold compared to other teams. This popularity might influence the odds and make them seem more favorable than they actually are.

For sure they are sending guys that are less experienced, well maybe the NBA season is just around the corner and they can not afford some injuries along the way we can surely say this is 1 part of why is that, and maybe they are just making those rookies get more experience and the FIBA world cup is a great experience or another experience for them representing their country, for sure other players in other country want to represent their country that they are allowed to perform on FIBA,  like Luka Doncic in Slovenia, Dillon Brook, Jamal Murray, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Kelly Olynyk and Dwight Powell in Canada, and lastly Jordan Clarkson in the Philippines,

And for Iran, I will surely be surprised if I could see the Immortal Hamed Haddadi playing at FIBA ^^^

Unfortunately he will not be able to play in the FIBA world cup due to an injury.

You can read the full story here : 2023 FIBA World Cup: Hamed Haddadi could miss tournament for Iran due to injury

Iran national team star and legend Hamde Haddadi might miss next month's 2023 FIBA World Cup. Haddadi is still recovering from foot surgery performed last January and is considered doubtful for the upcoming tournament.

In an interview with the Tehran Times, Haddadi provided an update about his recovery. He has returned to training and started working on his fitness. However, he's unsure if he will be fully healthy in time for the World Cup.

And besides, he is already 38 years, so the recovery period might take long for him and they don't want to risk a Hamed Haddadi that is not fully healed to play with the younger and more physical guys.

That was sad to hear but hopefully, he is doing fine, I surely remember him back when he is playing against the Philippines nobody can stop him for sure well the Philippines back then doesn't have a top Unicorn on their side back then but right now they got Kai Sotto on their bench and they now have a good rotation going into play,

[gagux123]

I believe in this 2023 world cup will be interesting!
There are several teams that are balanced.

I've been looking at every country roster, but i'm surprised with Canada and Australia, apparently in this world cup they have an excellent squad.

[danherbias07]

@wheelz1200 - Yes, this is not the first time that Clarkson is going to play with Philippines, if I'm not mistaken, there is still one NBA player that should play as well in this tournament.

First time for FIBA but 2nd time playing for the Philippines. Jordan Clarkson was there at the 2018 Asian Games where he helped the Philippines to achieve 5th place which is also the highest rank they received after a long time.
Speaking of Utah Jazz players, here is another one that is wreaking havoc in FIBA.
https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/1687730436015890432?s=20

Markkanen had a spectacular game in his return to suiting up for the national team and had 24 points and 7 rebounds.

https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023/news/all-time-finnish-record-crowd-enjoy-buzzer-beating-game-winner-for-susijengi
Although Lauri Markkanen missed that buzzer-beater shot, someone saved it and put it back for a game-winning buzzer-beater. Markkanen is the one big reason why Finland is not a team to mess with. The guy can shoot anywhere, rebound, block, and even pass. While playing for Finland, it's like there is a spark on him that adds fire to his performance, different from when he is playing for the Jazz. I guess being the superstar of their country is the reason why, unlike being on a team with lots of rising stars. I can say I became a fan of this dude after watching him in Eurobasket.
Finland is strong and they might also be the wild card in this tournament that will surprise us in the end.

I believe in this 2023 world cup will be interesting!
There are several teams that are balanced.

I've been looking at every country roster, but i'm surprised with Canada and Australia, apparently in this world cup they have an excellent squad.

It is true. The USA may be the favorite to win the tournament but I bet they will have a tough time defeating other countries especially those who are on top of the Eurobasket last 2022.

[YuginKadoya]

Here's the news about Kai Sotto's chance to play in FIBA.

Well, despite having his back injury Kai Sotto is healthy and given the time in healing he will get back into training soon and with these Jordan Clarkson is said to get into practice aswell when he arrives to join the Gilas Pilipinas team,

I read through this entire thread and honestly was trying to see what this tourney was all about.  Was shocked to see Jordan Clarkson plays for the Philippines.  Has he always played for them in international play?  I'm a huge fan of his play in the NBA but just always thought he was of US dissent. He reminds me of Lou Williams career.  6th man type but who.could star on a younger type team.

He already played for them a couple of times against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia here are a couple of videos for you to watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmBPsZfs0Ck&pp=ygUfSm9yZGFuIENsYXJrc29uIGdpbGFzIHBpbGlwaW5hcw%3D%3D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_yI-iooFoQ&pp=ygUfSm9yZGFuIENsYXJrc29uIGdpbGFzIHBpbGlwaW5hcw%3D%3D

Jordan Clarkson is a Filipino-American so he can surely play for the US or the Philippines he can surely choose, his grandmother Marcelina Tullao Kingsolver is a Filipina  from Bacolor, Pampanga, Philippines while his mother Annette Tullao Davis was a Filipina American and his father was Mike Clarkson Both his parents served in the United States Air Force, surely we all know why he become Filipino

That was a display of sweet shooting from the Philippines. But this is not the best Iran team if I'm not mistaken? This is Iran B and no Haddadi, which seems to be the tormentor of Philippines team if I'm not mistaken. But they have improved a lot though and now they have Jordan Clarkson to boot.

I agree but this Iran team is not a slack aswell I just wish that Kai Sotto and Jordan Clarkson will surely be ready in aiding the country with so much support when they play Iran in the real game and well after seeing this game I was really excited in watching the game, but surely it will have to wait,

Yes, it seems that Philippines as host wanted to proved something and even if they are not fielding their best players, they have like a deep bench that can still play very good. So it's interesting how the Philippines will go on FIBA 2023, maybe they will get a W here.

I surely doubt it, there are so many teams that are likely great and even though I am a Filipino those teams that would go to the qualifier last time were really insane so there is a lot of good competition we are talking about here, and don't forget the other teams also have their NBA bigs on the mix, for me this is a surely great they only got 18 days to prepare and practice and to get chemistry for the team so yeah this will surely get to Kai Sotto and Jordan Clarkson as they already played with the Philippine team last time,

[jakelyson]

I read through this entire thread and honestly was trying to see what this tourney was all about.  Was shocked to see Jordan Clarkson plays for the Philippines.  Has he always played for them in international play?  I'm a huge fan of his play in the NBA but just always thought he was of US dissent. He reminds me of Lou Williams career.  6th man type but who.could star on a younger type team.

The International Basketball Federation or FIBA, and well as we all know the NBA right now is applying rules from the FIBA for the NBA next season so the NBA surely is pretty much well knowledgeable about the FIBA, and pretty much NBA players were also here to represent their countries to play,

Well if Jordan Clarkson's case he is a Filipino-American and Chooses to represent the Country Philippines although he is somewhat half Filipino his heart is 100% Pinoy, and truly what he shows when he is playing with the Utah Jazz is truly remarkable,

I believe in this 2023 world cup will be interesting!
There are several teams that are balanced.

I've been looking at every country roster, but i'm surprised with Canada and Australia, apparently in this world cup they have an excellent squad.

Those two teams surely have an impressive bunch, and pretty much because of the pretty much well-known players that they have as you can say for me I am more interested in the Canadian team and they surely have the defending champion player the A2 players for the Denver Nuggets Jamal Murray, surely for these team, I am curious on the reformed Dillon Brooks

[dothebeats]

Sorry but I am biased with the Philippines yeah I really don't want to be regarding that this is a Sport where everything can surely happen but As I watch the games of the Philippines against Iran I was quite amazed at what the Philippines can do now on what I remember back then here is the video of the friendly match for the Philippines VS Iran https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbDGSnED7ZA

And against Senegal, I really think that the Philippines did great in this match and this is without Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson, and Scottie Thompson, pretty much the Philippines team is making progress in their training for sure they will make a big impact when Kai Sotto, Jordan Clarkson would play with them, here is the Philippines VS Senegal game, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdIux7z8r3w

I read through this entire thread and honestly was trying to see what this tourney was all about.  Was shocked to see Jordan Clarkson plays for the Philippines.  Has he always played for them in international play?  I'm a huge fan of his play in the NBA but just always thought he was of US dissent. He reminds me of Lou Williams career.  6th man type but who.could star on a younger type team.

He doesn't always play for the Philippines though at this time, he chose to represent the country. He's a Filipino-American, so he always has the choice to represent the Philippines in international games if he likes to. Lots of good players in the Philippine team right now, though hopefully they climb up the ladder and managed to get some good games. Spain is really terrifying so far that even Team USA cannot edge against them in terms of points.

[AHOYBRAUSE]

Please let's not make this a PBA thread again. 

Unpopular opinion but the hosts won't have any chance anyway, sorry.  Even with an easy looking group with Italy, Angola and the Dominican republic, the Philippines will have a hard time. No Jordan Clarkson or forever prospect Kai Sotto will change that.

If the world cup would be somewhere else, most likely only Japan would have qualified. I'm not a fan of having many host countries ( even if it's just 2 ) because that takes the spot from more deserving teams to participate.

Anyway, it just 2,5 more week for the cup to finally start. Plenty of test matches until then.

[tusandii]

He doesn't always play for the Philippines though at this time, he chose to represent the country. He's a Filipino-American, so he always has the choice to represent the Philippines in international games if he likes to. Lots of good players in the Philippine team right now, though hopefully they climb up the ladder and managed to get some good games. Spain is really terrifying so far that even Team USA cannot edge against them in terms of points.

Well Jordan Clarkson has mixed blood so he can choose where to play for the national team he wants from both countries because in a national team if there is mixed blood of nationality then it is permissible to defend the national team.
After all, Jordan Clarkson is a pretty good player and has even become the target of several big teams.

In international matches, Spain has a very striking advantage in terms of players and it's only natural that the US team has not been able to catch up with the Spanish team in points.

[danherbias07]

Please let's not make this a PBA thread again.  

Unpopular opinion but the hosts won't have any chance anyway, sorry.  Even with an easy looking group with Italy, Angola and the Dominican republic, the Philippines will have a hard time. No Jordan Clarkson or forever prospect Kai Sotto will change that.

If the world cup would be somewhere else, most likely only Japan would have qualified. I'm not a fan of having many host countries ( even if it's just 2 ) because that takes the spot from more deserving teams to participate.

Anyway, it just 2,5 more week for the cup to finally start. Plenty of test matches until then.

Nah, not three hosts will win this one. Other countries have a roster that is too strong to handle. I guess we will just have to enjoy it, especially those who live in these places or the tourists that will come.
I would actually love to see Luka Doncic in person but I don't see them in the schedule or if they will make it to the semis perhaps a chance will open.

Question guys. Where do you check the tune-up/friendly games schedule? I cannot find it anywhere, I mostly rely on gambling sites to check if there will be a game.

I saw the USA will play against Puerto Rico tomorrow but sadly Jose Alvarado (New Orleans Pelicans guard) will not play for them due to his leg injury. He could've been a great addition on both offensive and especially defensive purposes.

[jakelyson]

He doesn't always play for the Philippines though at this time, he chose to represent the country. He's a Filipino-American, so he always has the choice to represent the Philippines in international games if he likes to. Lots of good players in the Philippine team right now, though hopefully they climb up the ladder and managed to get some good games. Spain is really terrifying so far that even Team USA cannot edge against them in terms of points.

Yes! back then Jordan Clarkson was not in the Philippine roster yet, well right now he has a go signal in playing for the Philippine team, that is why but well it is OK than never, for me Clarkson has a Filipino heart and his love for his grandmother was the one that has given him motivation in playing with the Philippines,

Please let's not make this a PBA thread again. 

Unpopular opinion but the hosts won't have any chance anyway, sorry.  Even with an easy looking group with Italy, Angola and the Dominican republic, the Philippines will have a hard time. No Jordan Clarkson or forever prospect Kai Sotto will change that.

If the world cup would be somewhere else, most likely only Japan would have qualified. I'm not a fan of having many host countries ( even if it's just 2 ) because that takes the spot from more deserving teams to participate.

Anyway, it just 2,5 more week for the cup to finally start. Plenty of test matches until then.

Hahaha I really think it is not going in that Direction it is just that there are many Filipino in the thread that surely wants some topic about the Philippine team, but for sure that Spain was looking tanacious this could be a problem for the other team aswell but for me besides the team Philippines I really like the Canadian team that consist of great NBA players for sure this is going to be an interesting match-up that we will surely see,

[danherbias07]

I finally found a schedule for the tune-up games but it's just for the USA team.
Here it is.

Monday, Aug. 7: USA 117, Puerto Rico 74
Saturday, Aug. 12: Slovenia (3:30 p.m. ET, FS1)
Sunday, Aug. 13: Spain (3:30 p.m. ET, Fox)
Friday, Aug. 18: Greece (12 p.m. ET, FS1)
Sunday, Aug. 20: Germany (12 p.m. ET, Fox)

https://www.nba.com/news/2023-usab-exhibition-schedule

The first one was done and they blew out the Puerto Rico basketball team. Well, that's obvious given how strong and young the players of the USA are.
Tremont Waters will badly need a lot of help from his teammates if they want to advance. Sure, this is just an exhibition but it can already show how much of a mismatch they are to other teams if no other player can score especially against Serbia in their Group.

Spain is also not to be messed with Santi Aldama making his debut. They may not have the Gasol brothers anymore but I won't underestimate the power of this guy combined with the Hernangomez brothers.

17 more days. Let's just enjoy the exhibition matches.

[bisdak40]

~snip~
The first one was done and they blew out the Puerto Rico basketball team. Well, that's obvious given how strong and young the players of the USA are.
Tremont Waters will badly need a lot of help from his teammates if they want to advance. Sure, this is just an exhibition but it can already show how much of a mismatch they are to other teams if no other player can score especially against Serbia in their Group.

Spain is also not to be messed with Santi Aldama making his debut. They may not have the Gasol brothers anymore but I won't underestimate the power of this guy combined with the Hernangomez brothers.

17 more days. Let's just enjoy the exhibition matches.

Speaking of friendly/tune-up games, what do you think of the chances of Serbia against Greece and Poland against Turkey?

This is a tune-up game and Serbia might win this even without Jokic as there are new players that could fill his spot and that odds is somewhat juicy AFAIC while Poland is a no push-over so i won't be surprise if both Serbia and Poland will win on tomorrow's friendly.

[Natalim]

His trash talk would not work because this is an international competition, and teams are highly competitive. Players like Luka and the current number 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, even said that the NBA is less physical compared to their leagues before. So, Brooks should not focus on his trash talk; instead, he should play hard and physical to live up to the expectations of the fans.

The current lineup of Canada has some players who are superstars in the NBA. However, I'm looking at the team chemistry more than the individual players on the team. With that said, I stick with the more consistent teams, particularly Spain (despite less Gasol).

Well, that is his specialty in trash talking so I will not be surprised if he can accumulate a disaster in the FIBA but if he can surely use his physicality in most match up's then maybe he would rather have the humility in taking into consideration his action before doing it, I have seen his interviews as a Houston Rocket player just now, he looks nicer? Humble? maybe this is a good start the Houston Rockets have given him a new opportunity to strive so he needs to use this not in bad-mouthing others but to show his old teams that he can do better this time, I am surely for the change and everybody can surely change and I think Brooks really need to reflect what he has done wrong when he was on the Memphis Grizzlies and apply a positive one when playing with the Houston Rockets this time,

He is lucky that there's still a team that was able to sign him with a good contract. He should not waste that opportunity, as it's important for him to maintain good statistics so that what the Rockets are giving to him would be worth it. Honestly, I'm surprised that he still got a good contract after his time with Memphis. I mean, he used to be a trash talker and a great contributor as well, but it turns out he was only a trash talker and forgot to help his team with his usual contribution.

Anyway, what's done is done. It's a new journey for him, so I wish him success.

[Eureka_07]

Do you guys think the current odds will change drastically during the next 3 weeks? I mean, I know it's possible, but how much or how little do you think the change is likely to be?

I believe that in the end, there will be another face-off between the US and Spain. However, I expect the US to come out on top.