10.03.2008, 11:04
Portland still in the race

The 35-27 Portland victory over Zagreb promises a great last round in Group 3 where three teams still have the chance to qualify.

Portland still in the race

Portland San Antonio won by 35-27 against Croatia Zagreb in a match that saw a spectacular second half time. The Cabanas-team opened took a big lead and Croatia could not stand up any more.

This result means that Zagreb must win their last game of the group in Flensburg for the first place of this group. Portland need Croatia Zagreb to make a mistake and win against Hamburg in Pamplona by four goals to take the first place and qualify.

The first half of the game was very equal. Portland took the lead, but the Croatian defence was strong and stole balls that they converted in easy fast-break goals. Spoljarevic and Kaleb were playing in good form in the Cervar-team.

Matosevic was unlucky in the Portland goal, but the defence was just as aggressive on the Spanish side as they usually are.

However, Cabanas made some important changes. Svensson came in to save some impossible shots and the Portland fans started to really enjoy the game.

Malmagro and Ruesga scored very good goals from the backcourt, while Ivano Balic was a real playmaker of the Spanish side. The Croatian gave many good passes to the line player Nikolic who was able to handle every ball and score.

The UPNA Pavilion has seen a festival at the end of the game and the Spanish fans are already dreaming about the semi-finals. The Croatians cannot make a mistake in Flensburg; however, Portland are expecting it.

TEXT: Fernando Urra Goñi