Latvia triumphs in basketball day of destiny versus Brazil

The Latvian and Brazilian men's basketball teams met for the first time ever in a competitive match on Sunday, and the stakes for both teams were equally high – a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. 

In the end it was Latvia (population 1.9 million) who came out on top against Brazil (population 214 million) with a convincing 104:84 scoreline.

All four teams in Latvia's group in the second stage of the tournament had the same number of points before the last round of games, so the winners of the match between Latvia and Brazil, as well as the winners in the parallel Canada-Spain duel, were set to advance to the quarter-finals in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.  

Having started the tournament as one of the least-fancied teams – and playing in their first ever World Cup – a series of sensational victories including upsets against France and Spain has catapulted them into the knock-out stages and, according to some assessments, Latvia are now among the favorites for the title, a truly remarkable turn of events.

32 national teams are participating in the World Cup final tournament which will conclude with the final on September 10 in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Neighbors Lithuania are also through to the last eight.

Later in the day ot was confirmed that Latvia will next play Germany in the quarter finals.

More details at the official FIBA World Cup site: https://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2023