| 01.09.2011 EUROBASKET 2011  | | Spain will look to give a more convincing performance than they did against Poland |
Portugal v Spain - Thursday at 15:15 (14:15 CET)
Spain go into the game against Iberian peninsula neighbours Portugal hoping to improve from their up-and-down performance in their Group A opener against Poland. Sergio Scariolo's side almost blew a 17 point-first-half lead in their 83-78 victory. Pau Gasol had a game-high 29 points in that win. Topping the defending champions will be a huge task, but Portugal will not go down without a fight. "Make no mistake that we are going into every game with the intention of winning," said Portugal's Elvis Evora. "We know Spain is a very strong team and we know what to expect. "They have a lot of NBA players but we will try our best." Portugal lost their group opener to Turkey, 79-56. Poland v Lithuania - Thurday at 21:00 (20:00 CET)
Poland pushed defending champions Spain to the limit before falling 83-78 in their Group A opener. Despite the loss, that performance has given Ales Pipan's side plenty of confidence heading into Thursday's contest against tournament hosts Lithuania. "We fought hard against Spain and I am very proud of what we did," said Poland's Thomas Kelati. "I think if we play with the same intensity and determination as we did against the defending champions, I'm sure we can overcome Lithuania." Kestutis Kemzuris' Lithuania struggled against Great Britain before claiming an 80-69 victory. The hosts made 10 of their 16 turnovers in the third quarter to allow the Brits to get back in the game. "We know we cannot afford to make those mistakes against Poland," said Lithuania's Rimantas Kaukenas. "We have to improve and get better." | 
