Following an 88-85 win over Spain that went down to the wire on Friday, the Canadian men’s basketball team finishes with an unblemished 3-0 record to end group play, securing their spot in the Olympic quarterfinals.
The two heavyweights of Group A — also known as the ‘Group of Death’ for its rounded-out level of skill — went blow for blow to start the game, until Canada broke away in the second quarter, going into the half up by 11.
With this being a must win for Spain, they were not going down without a fight. They clawed their way back into contention by narrowing the gap to two in the fourth but could not get over the hump.
A key factor in holding the lead for Canada was when Toronto Raptor RJ Barrett hit a dagger three in the final minute to extend his team’s lead to five.
It turned into a nail-biting, dramatic finish as free throws were needed to close out the final seconds. However, Spain earned a chance to tie with a half-court buzzer beating shot but could not find the mesh.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead the team in scoring with 20 points while Andrew Nembhard contributed 18 off the bench from 8-of-10 shooting.
It wasn’t long after the clock hit zero before Canadians, and pure basketball fans outside the maple borders, took to twitter to express their awe of the way the Canadian club closed out their final group stage game. Here are some of those reactions:
As mentioned, spectators were blown away by the timing of Barrett’s contested three-pointer to extend the Canadian lead:
Canada’s Victory in ‘Group of Death’ Sparks Celebrations among Fans
Canada’s national soccer team has made history by emerging victorious in the ‘Group of Death’ at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, sparking celebrations among fans across the country. The team’s impressive performance in the tournament has been a source of pride for Canadians, who have long awaited success on the international stage.
The ‘Group of Death’ refers to a group in a tournament that is considered to be the most challenging due to the high level of competition among the teams. In this case, Canada was pitted against Mexico, the United States, and Costa Rica – all formidable opponents with strong soccer traditions.
Despite being the underdogs in the group, Canada managed to secure victories against both Mexico and the United States, two of the top teams in the region. The team’s resilience and determination were on full display as they fought hard for each win, showcasing their talent and potential as a rising force in international soccer.
The victory has ignited a wave of excitement and pride among Canadian fans, who have been eagerly following the team’s progress in the tournament. Social media has been abuzz with congratulatory messages and celebrations, with fans expressing their joy and support for the team.
Many fans see this victory as a turning point for Canadian soccer, signaling a new era of success and competitiveness on the international stage. The team’s performance in the ‘Group of Death’ has raised hopes and expectations for future tournaments, with fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for Canadian soccer.
The players themselves have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from fans and are grateful for the opportunity to represent their country on such a prestigious stage. They have credited their success to hard work, teamwork, and belief in themselves, and are determined to continue making Canada proud in future competitions.
As Canada advances to the knockout stage of the Gold Cup, fans are eagerly awaiting their next match and are hopeful that the team will continue to defy expectations and make history once again. The celebrations may be ongoing, but one thing is certain – Canadian soccer is on the rise, and fans are ready to cheer their team on every step of the way.