Beijing - Spain eased past Croatia in the quarter-finals of the Olympic basketball tournament on Wednesday. The 72-59 victory means they will play either hosts China or Lithuania in Friday's semi-final match.
The world champions took the first quarter 22-11 and led 37-26 at half-time. Looking in much better form than in any of their group games they increased that lead to 51-38 at the third quarter before wrapping up a comfortable victory.
Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol was the hero scoring 20 points in his 100th appearance for the national team and admitted relief at having gone one better than four years ago when Spain were defeated by USA.
He said: "We are delighted with the result. To be in the semi- finals at the Olympics was outstanding business for us and we have managed it.
"The quarter-finals can unfairly decide your tournament for you - if you progress or if you go home. No we are happy and we can start thinking about the semi-final.
Spain will be aiming to reach their first Olympic final in the sport since 1984 in Los Angeles. Olympic champions Argentina was due to play Greece, and USA face Australia later in the day.
