Spain's Basketball Coach Mateo Cites Lack of 'Flight Hours' After Loss to Portugal

Spain's national basketball team experienced a disappointing performance against Portugal, a defeat that coach Chus Mateo attributed to a lack of team cohesion and experience. "There have been many ups and downs, typical of teams that are not cohesive enough. We lack flight hours, and we will get them little by little," Mateo stated, referring to the limited practice time the squad had before the match.

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There have been many ups and downs, typical of teams that are not cohesive enough. We lack flight hours, and we will get them little by little.

Despite the setback, Spain maintains its lead in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers with a 5-2 record. However, the loss to Portugal, their first ever in an official match, serves as a stark lesson. Mateo acknowledged Portugal's team play and veteran experience, noting that his team needs to learn from this encounter.

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We were not able to maintain that advantage or play with the discipline required against a rival of this level.

"We were not able to maintain that advantage or play with the discipline required against a rival of this level," Mateo expressed. He lamented the players' current physical condition at this stage of the season but emphasized the need to "turn the page quickly" as they prepare for their next game against Greece.

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Portugal played better, harder and they won the rebound battle and the turnovers.

Player Darío Brizuela echoed the coach's sentiments, admitting Portugal played "better, harder" and dominated the rebound battle and turnovers. Brizuela, who scored 19 points, concluded, "When they dominate the rebound, you lose balls, the loose balls go to them... We did not play a good game." The team, known as 'La Familia,' now looks to bounce back in Athens against Greece.

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When they dominate the rebound, you lose balls, the loose balls go to them... We did not play a good game.