ESP – Montanana: ‘We shouldn't have any complex ... We should believe in our potential’

BEIJING (Olympics) - Spain’s women are on track for a return trip to the quarter-finals at the Olympics after thrashing the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

Evaristo Perez’s team fell behind by nine points in the first quarter but took the lead by half-time and blew out their European rivals in the second half.

Anna Montanana, who had 20 points and five rebounds, gave this interview to FIBA.com

FIBA: Congratulations Anna on the success, which makes it two wins out of three games at the Olympics for Spain. How important was the 74-55 triumph over the Czech Republic?

Montanana: We had hoped to win our opener against China but it was not to be. The good thing is that we put that defeat behind us and won against New Zealand before beating the Czechs. We knew this game was very important for us in terms of placing in the group and we needed to win it.

FIBA: You had a game-high 20 points against the Czechs, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. With Amaya Valdemoro still not 100% due to injury, do you feel there is more pressure on you to deliver?

Montanana: Last year, I had a good EuroBasket. I have enjoyed a good campaign and I've come into the Olympics very motivated and with a lot of confidence in my game. I am in good form and that is why my teammates feed me the ball.

FIBA: Have Spain improved since the EuroBasket, where you finished runners up behind Russia, and if so, how?

Montanana: I think we have a good quality side. We have young players who have joined us since the tournament in Italy. They have potential and are getting very good experience by playing in Beijing. The good thing about our team is that anyone can step up at any given game. I think our EuroBasket result showed that we can play against any team and that if we work hard and play our game, we can go far.

FIBA: Height is something that Spain lack. How difficult is it to play against teams that have a lot of size?

Montanana: At times we lack intensity in offense. We fear going to the basket when we see tall post players and it's more a case of believing that we can overcome the height issue than anything else, because we do have talent. We shouldn't have any complex. We should believe in our potential.

FIBA: You mentioned the new blood in the team with youngsters Tamara Abalde and Alba Torrens on the roster. Have they adapted to the team and what qualities do they bring to the side?

Montanana: For Alba and Tamara it's the start of a wonderful career. To be able to go to the Olympics at the age of 19 is a unique opportunity and if they work hard, they will have a great future ahead of them. But everything is about work. They have individual quality and they are getting invaluable experience.

FIBA: You were in the stands on Tuesday watching the men's national team beat China in a thrilling overtime. Did it motivate the team?

Montanana: Having lost to China in the opener, we were really hoping the boys would give them some heat! It's just wonderful to watch them play, the intensity they have on defense is just fantastic. It's really a delight to watch them play and we were very happy with the win.

FIBA: Will Spain's golden boys come and watch you play?

Montanana: We hope that Pau (Gasol) and the rest will come but we understand it's not always possible. When we were leaving the Olympic village this morning, they were getting up as they had a late game last night. But I know they are supporting us from the Olympic Village.

FIBA: Next up for Spain is Team USA. How excited are you about the game and how do you play against a team that is so physical and athletic?

Montanana: We have to play for 40 minutes and we have to fight hard. It's a very difficult game but regardless of the result, we will have to take the positives from it for our following game against Mali. We need to remember this game against Team USA will be more of a leap to our next game. We have to come out of that game in good spirits and leave the negatives aside. The level of the Olympics is incredible and we saw it early on. New Zealand are not considered a world-class team yet they made life difficult for us, which goes to show that there are no easy games.

FIBA