ARG – Silver-medalists Argentina book place at 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women

CUIABÁ (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Argentina booked their place at the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women over the weekend.

Eduardo Pinto's team sealed a spot in next year's big event with a 63-53 victory over Canada on Saturday in the FIBA Americas Championship for Women Semi-Finals in Cuiabá.

"It was an historic game as we earned a place at the World Championship, and the right to contest the final of the FIBA Americas Championship for the first time," Pinto said.

Marcela Paoletta led a balanced scoring attack for Argentina with 15 points while Florencia Fernandez poured in 13 with six rebounds.

Carolina Sanchez had her usual solid outing with 10 points and nine boards.

The Argentinians suffered defeat for the first time in the tournament on Sunday when they fell to Brazil in the title game, 71-48, in front of more than 12,000 fans.

Pinto's side opened a 13-7 lead at the end of the first quarter but went to half-time trailing 25-21.

They were blown away in the second half and lost by 23 points.

"We faced a great team that had the support of a wonderful crowd," Pinto said.

"But Argentina also has its merits. We won a place at the World Championship and an unprecedented silver medal in the FIBA Americas Championship. Our only loss was in the final."

FIBA