EUROBASKET 2011

Dontaye Draper and Croatia have no other choice but to beat Greece if they want to move into the next round

Finland v Montenegro - Monday at 15:30 (14:30 CET)

Only pride will be on the line for Montenegro when they prepare to sign off their EuroBasket 2011 campaign in Alytus knowing they are the only team in Group C without a shot of making it to Round 2.

Touted by some in the build-up to the tournament as dark horses and even potential quarter-finalists, there will be real disappointment at missing out on the next phase.

However, Montenegro did at least rack up a historic first-ever Final Round success and following this up with another victory to double their win tally would maybe ease their pain a little.

Nikola Pekovic hasn't looked at his best, perhaps hampered by his recent injury problems but Montenegro have shown they can be a force to be reckoned with at the next EuroBasket if they continue to progress.

Finland had a number of objectives this summer and they have already been fulfilled.

Their first was to emerge victorious from the Additional Qualifying Round, their second was to win a half of basketball which they did in their first game and their third aim was to win a game, which they did in great style against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The tournament has already proven a great tonic for everyone associated with Finnish basketball and now, they have been given a fourth objective albeit one that is not completely in their hands.

The Finns have an unexpected shot at making it past Round 1 if, firstly, they can beat Montenegro and then face a nervous wait to see if both Greece and F.Y.R. of Macedonia can do what is needed of them and win their games.

Greece v Croatia - Monday at 18.00 (17:00 CET)

Greece coach Ilias Zouros is expecting a real challenge against Croatia when both teams look to carry what would be a vital win through to Round 2 with a scenario that either one of the teams could be dumped out of the competition - something few people anticipated.

Having despatched Montenegro in convincing fashion, Greece's play-caller is aware his team will have to perform at a high level to get past the Croatian team, but once again acted to try and temper expectations.

"We are a new team and I have to repeat this every time because some people believe a new team can do miracles," he said.

"This is a team which was built only this summer with many young players but they play together and will try to do the very best until the end.

"I believe in my team and that we can do many good things.

"We will have a tough game against Croatia. They are a very talented team and they have good size," he added.

"They have good players and we have to be really concentrated to finish the first phase of this tournament well and progress."

Croatia must bounce back from their defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina and work out a way to play without the now departed Marko Tomas, something coach Josip Vrankovic was quick to point out.

While Greece will progress with victory, they could still lose and advance depending on the other games.

However, Croatia know they must win at all costs to be sure of booking their spot and avoid an early exit.

F.Y.R. of Macedonia v Bosnia and Herzegovina - Monday at 21.00 (20:00 CET)

Having waited so long to chalk up a Final Round success, Bosnia and Herzegovina stand on the possibility of racking up three wins and incredibly, even topping Group C if they complete that feat and other results help them.

A win will definitely see them advance, while F.Y.R. of Macedonia are the only team to have already punched their ticket and so it may give head coach Marin Dokuvoski a chance to run his bench and go lightly with some of his big guns who have done such a great job so far.