体坛英语新闻：Basketball World Cup promises chances for some thrilling quarter-finals

MADRID, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- With the end of the group stage in the Basketball World Cup, the 16 remaining teams in the competition can mix a well-earned day of rest with their travelling to the venue for the knockout stages.

The knockout stages are held in Madrid and Barcelona and now we know the draw for the last 16, it's possible to take a peek into what the future might hold.

Hosts Spain, who seem to have players such as the Gasol brothers and point guard Ricky Rubio in top form, will play Senegal in Madrid and after winning all five of their group matches with ease, the Spanish will be confident of beating Senegal, who they defeated comfortably in a warm-up game for the World Cup.

Victory against Senegal would then see them take on the winner of the last 16 game between France and Croatia.

The Spanish have already shown their superiority to the French in the World Cup and defeated the Croatians, who are favorites against France, a week before the World Cup started.

Brazil - Argentina promises to be the best game of the last 16 as the two historic rivals go head to head in Madrid. Brazil were well-beaten by Spain, but finished second in their group and should have the edge against a developing Argentine side, although if Luis Scola has a good day, that could change.

The winner of that game will then take on Greece or Serbia in quarter-finals. Greece look like the best bet after an excellent group stage to set up what looks like an even quarter-final.

In the other half of the draw, which is played in Barcelona, the USA should breeze past Mexico and then play whoever wins out of Slovenia or the Dominican Republic, meaning the Slovenians could well regret Friday's defat to Lithuania.

Lithuania meanwhile can be expected to see off the 'Tall Blacks' of New Zealand in the Round of 16 before playing the winner of between the 2010 runners up; Turkey and Australia for a place in the semis.

It all looks straightforward on paper, but on court things may be that bit harder to predict.