Scola ready for different energy in Argentina-Brazil showdown

MADRID (FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The match-up of Argentina against Brazil always has a special feeling, especially when the games are played on the world stage.

There's a weird energy in the air, says Luis Scola. Still, the Argentina veteran urged his team to forget about any previous match-up and concentrate on their Round of 16 showdown at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

The South American giants met at the same stage four years ago in Turkey, where Argentina won 93-89.

"The last game doesn't really matter. They will forget and we will forget. It's four years in between. It's going to be a completely different story. We have to find a way to forget about that game and play the right way," said Scola, who leads Argentina in scoring (21.6 points) and rebounds (8.8 rebounds). 

The energy in the air is weird, it's different, it’s a different type of game. - Scola

The Indiana Pacers big man admitted that the team came into the tournament in Spain with a little doubt that they could compete with the teams here.

"From the group, we confirmed that we are capable of competing with everybody. That was the most important thing. We had a little doubt coming into the tournament," said Scola.

"So it was good to compete and feel and confirm that we will win games if we play the right way. The bad thing is that we didn't always play the right way. We have to find a way to do that every time for 40 minutes. If we can do that we will have a chance to win at the end of the game."

Scola said the game will be tight because Argentina and Brazil know each other so well.

"We've been playing games against that team for ever. It's almost like destiny. They want us to play. I don’t know why. Those are all good matches, all fun. We just have to find a way to win," said Scola.

FIBA