Final Preview: History for Spain or title number 10 for USA?

MADRID (Spain) - The FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2023 Final will see USA going for a staggering 10th title and host nation Spain looking to make history with their first silverware at the event.

Here's a guide to everything you need to know about Sunday's showpiece Final in Madrid which promises to deliver a fitting conclusion to an exceptional basketball tournament. 

Past Final Meetings: This is the third time that these nations have met in the Final, with USA winning both previously. The 2009 title game was won by USA by 87-71 with USA having some big names on their roster such as Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike, while Spain boasted the likes of Marta Xargay, Cristina Ouvina and Leonor Rodriguez. 

The 2011 Final witnessed USA take down Spain 69-46 as the likes of Breanna Stewart, Elizabeth Williams and Diamond De Shields went to work. Spain also had big names in their lineup such as Astou Ndour, Laura Gil and Queralt Casas.

Key matchups:  The backcourt battle between Kira Rice and Elena Buenavida will be quite something in the battle for early control in the contest, while having Hannah Hidalgo and Iyana Martin Carrion coming of the bench wets the appetite even more. While the bigs will do their thing and there are some tremendous duels ready to take place in the paint, it just feels that for Spain especially, they must win the game in from the backcourt with their penetration and shooting. USA are always likely to be more dominant inside. 

X-Factor: USA barely turn the ball over and if Spain can turn the defensive screw tight enough in terms of their on-ball pressure, perhaps they will get some spillages and fast-break scores. That could make all the difference because nothing comes easy against the reigning champions. If Spain don't manage to disrupt their opponents, they might struggle to stay close.

Stats Don't Lie: USA are the only team shooting above 50 percent from two-point range and if Spain want to cause the upset, they can't allow them to continue with this kind of deadly accuracy.

Did You Know? USA have only lost a Final once previously. It was during 2017 in Udine, Italy when they were undone by Russian duo Maria Vadeeva and Raisa Musina in what was undoubtedly one of the all-time classic title games at any FIBA event. 

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