We will have an unprecedented champion at the Basketball World Cup. Serbia and Germany beat Canada and the United States and will decide the title next Sunday. Heirs to the former Yugoslavia, Serbia have reached a World Cup final for the second time and are looking to win their first title as a new nation. Germany, meanwhile, surpassed Dirk Nowitzki and reached their first final.

Serbia and Canada played the first semifinal of the day in Manila, Philippines, and the Serbs won 95-86, returning to the World Cup final after nine years. The key to the Serbian victory was the speed imposed on the game in the first half, surprising the Canadians, who saw their main player, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, score only 15 points, thanks to the excellent scoring of the Serbian team .

Bogdan Bogdanovic was Serbia’s name in the match, with 24 points. Other highlights were Ognjen Dobric with 16 points, Nikola Milutinov with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds and Mario Guduric with 12 points. For Canada, RJ Barrett scored 23 points, Dillon Brooks with 16 points and Shai with the already mentioned 15 were the main scorers of the match.

FIBA/Disclosure

Germany had a strong performance against the United States and won 113-111, reaching a World Cup final for the first time. The Germans made great use of the baskets and, without wasting time or attacking the Americans, they achieved an important victory, especially in the third quarter, leaving the United States team in contention for bronze.

Andreas Obst was the big name for Germany in this match, with 24 points. Other German highlights of the match were Franz Wagner with 22 points, Daniel Thiess with 21 and Dennis Schroder with 17 points and 9 assists. Anthony Edwards, with 23 points, and Austin Rivers, with 21 points, were the United States’ scorers.

The decision of the champion will take place this Sunday, at 9:30 a.m. (Brasilia time), between Serbia and Germany. Canada and the United States will face off for bronze at 5:30 p.m. The matches will be broadcast on ESPN and Star+ channels.