UDINE/CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World up 2017) - It promises to be a fantastic Friday at the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017, with a series of mouth-watering Quarter-Finals.
The fans in Udine and those watching for free worldwide, will be treated to four exciting match-ups as the race for the podium gathers pace.
Get live updates of all games throughout the day via our blog.
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Both teams are genuine podium challengers and this might be slated as the biggest tie of the day. It features two heavyweight performers and leading MVP candidates in Maria Vadeeva and Eziyoda Magbegor. Although much will hinge on the fitness of Russian forward Raisa Musina who is also in the mix for the accolade but sustained an injury during the Round of 16. Russia are chasing consecutive Final berths, while the Gems are gunning for a trio of bronze medals.
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Unbeaten Canada face a China side that have a dominant frontcourt with their towering center Han Xu and her battle with Laeticia Amihere will be pivotal. China's guards must step up against the combo skills of Aislinn Konig, while Hailey Brown is averaging a near tournament double-double. Canada last reached the Semi-Finals in 2009, while China took bronze in 2005.
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Spain saved their best for the Round of 16 when they took apart hosts Italy in impressive fashion. Did this paper over some of the cracks shown during the Group phase, or are they the real deal? Iris Junio will carry the fight along with team leader Laia Sole as they go up against the flawless Japan, who rely heavily on the athleticism of forward Stephanie Mawuli. Spain are aiming for an incredible seventh straight Semi-Finals spot and Japan have never been that far.
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The most one-sided tie on paper, with the odds stacked against France, the big question is do they have a genuine chance of creating a shock? Maeva Djaldi-Tabdi needs to stand up tall and strong in the paint, while captain Marie-Paule Foppossi has to shine and Tima Pouye must come alive. USA will look to their all-around depth to get them back to within touching distance of another podium, with nobody even able to get close to them so far.
Elsewhere, the eight nations that did not make it to the Quarter-Finals will play Classification Games in Cividale Del Friuli. Those games can also be seen on YouTube.com/FIBA.
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