Canada obtained their first qualification for the semi-finals of a FIBA World Cup in his story this Wednesday, after ending the Slovenia of luka soic at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila in a match (100-89) that was decided in a crushing third quarter for the North American team.

The semi-finals are already defined. The United States and Germany on one side; and Canada and Serbia on the other. The Canadians demonstrated their superiority in a third quarter in which they were far superior (30-21) with their star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexanderunleashed throughout the game, doing and undoing at will.

The meeting, beyond giving a place in the “Semi-finals”, had a very particular attraction. The duel between Gilgeous-Alexander himself and Doncic was one of the most anticipated of the World Cup, two leaders of their teams who would have to give the best version of themselves to nullify that of the other. And they did not disappoint. Shai finished with 31 points, Luka with 26 and was sent off.

During the first two quarters, there was no advantage of more than four points. Gilgeous-Alexander gave a recital on how to be effective one-on-one at half distance as Doncic pulled the team off while protesting the referees’ decisions, earning him a red card at six minutes from the end. A defeat that put an end to all Slovenian hopes.

It was an intense match, very tactical and in which the second stars of each team also shone. In Canada, with a much larger wardrobeDillon Brooks and RJ Barrett it was a headache for the Slovenian defence; And Klemen Prepelic He was the perfect partner for Doncic to do some damage.

Canada’s best moment came early in the third quarter. He was able to stop Doncic and be powerful in attack to go 2-11 to make it 61-52 which became 69-55 shortly after, a 14-point lead that seemed insurmountable.

Not for Doncic, who didn’t give up. It looked like the former Real Madrid player could be the turning point with a three-pointer that stopped the bleeding and Canada’s positive partial, but RJ Barret’s response with another three-pointer dashed Slovenian hopes again.

Slovenia scored again from three points, but Gilgeous-Alexander responded again from outside the arc. Everything went well for Canada who, yes, left with a 9-point lead. Anything could happen in the last quarter.

However, the party followed the script. Slovenia tried to stop the Canadians, who finished without Brooks (ejected), but it was impossible. Too much potential for the North American team which, six minutes from the end, was leading by 15 points (92-77).

It is the continuity of Canada, a machine of efficiency that does not fail when given the opportunity, which overthrew a Slovenia which did not know how to thwart.

I suffered it Spain and I suffered it Latvia. Doncic was not enough to stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company, whose favoritism continues to increase to, at least, make it to the final. Before of course, in their first semi-final, there is Serbia from Nikola Jovic.

(with information from EFE)