Both teams are coming off defeats and they need to win today to make it to the Round-of-16. Argentina is now 2-1 in Group B.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is 0-3, suffer their third straight loss.
Standby for the highlights video ...
Foreign commentators calling the game were in awe of how Gilas Pilipinas performed as Argentina, ranked third in the world, was pushed to the limit by the 34th-ranked Filipinos.
The commentator said: "Argentina will remember the Philippines for this game.” and to the rest of the world! Iba ang puso ng Pinoy.
— MARKKOFLORENCERIVERA (@markkorivera) September 1, 2014
Some of the international journalists also can’t help but give their support to the underdog Gilas Pilipinas, who have proven critics wrong in the tournament after holding their own against the world’s best. One of them is Mike Prada, NBA editor for international basketball website SBNation.
PHILIPPINESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) September 1, 2014
Can we give the Philippines a wild card into the round of 16?
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) September 1, 2014
GO FOR THE WIN
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) September 1, 2014
NBA columnist Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report also became aware of Gilas Pilipinas’ never-say-die spirit.
Gilas Pilipinas refuses to die
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) September 1, 2014
Mark Jones of ESPN also discovered Gilas Pilipinas’ big fighting heart during the game.
Phillipines plays with more heart and relentlessness than any other team in the FIBA World Cup. Trailing Argentina 79-76 in 4th qtr.
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) September 1, 2014
Gilas Pilipinas also grabbed the attention and admiration of some international fans who watched the game.
Best FIBA game so far Argentina vs Philippines
— Reagan Snider (@Reagan22Snider) September 1, 2014
If you aren't watching Argentina vs the Philippines basketball right now you are missing out! Great game on @NBATV
— Tony McLeod (@tonymcleod) September 1, 2014
Gilas Pilipinas, now winless after three games, will need to prevail over Puerto Rico and Senegal on Wednesday and Thursday to have a shot of advancing to the next stage of the World Cup.
