Обсуждение участника:‘Unexpected sending off that ruined the World Cup quarterfinals’ Luka Doncic “The referee didn’t call the foul
‘NBA’s greatest superstar’ Luka Doncic (24, Dallas Mavericks)’s World Cup challenge stopped in the quarterfinals.
The Slovenian men's basketball team lost 89-100 to Canada in the 'FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Quarterfinals Tournament' held at the Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines on the 6th. Slovenia, who was pushed back to the rankings match, will face Lithuania on the 7th.
Canada, who advanced to the semifinals, will compete with Serbia on the 8th to advance to the finals. The United States faces Germany in another semifinal.
Attention was focused on superstar Doncic's first World Cup tournament appearance. All attention was focused on Doncic. Doncic led the Slovenian attack with 26 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
However, Canada's offense, where almost all players were NBA stars, was difficult for Doncic to handle alone. Doncic became so irritated that he continued to protest against the referee's decision and even got into two verbal altercations with Canadian spectators in the stands.
Eventually, the incident occurred. Doncic fell while attempting a shot with 6 minutes and 37 seconds left in the fourth quarter. When Doncic claimed a foul, the referee gave him a second technical foul and ordered his immediate exit. Doncic was angry and went straight to the locker room.
Angry Filipino fans chanted “referee suck.” Slovenia, who lost their ace, eventually collapsed. Doncic's medal challenge ended in vain.
After the game, Doncic held an official press conference. He was still angry. “First of all, I want to congratulate Canada,” Doncic said. They were the best players in the world and they were difficult to stop. Our team players also gave 100%. We too must lift our heads. “I’m proud of our team.”
Regarding the exit situation, Doncic said, “When playing for the national team, there are times when emotions become strong. But the referee did not call a foul. He doesn't think it's fair. It's true that I have a lot of complaints, but it's also true that they don't call fouls when I play. “A lot of people don’t like that referee, but I respect him,” he said, publicly sniping the referee.
Doncic dismissed the criticism that he did not have a gentlemanly attitude, saying, “I have nothing to say.” When asked how he would manage his emotions in the future, he said, “We were close to a medal. I will work harder for the team. As for emotional control, as I mentioned earlier, I tried to do my best since it was a national competition. Of course, I have to control it well,” he reflected.
Slovenian coach Aleksander Sekulic said, “It is difficult to control your emotions when you are under pressure from the opponent in every game like Luca. Luca is always touching the ball. He will be really tired and tired from the pressure of the opponent. You've probably had to face this situation too, but it's really hard. Of course it doesn't look good, but it's very difficult. That’s why Luka is a very special and hard-to-stop player in any league,” he said, covering Doncic.
No matter how bad Doncic is, ruining an important game due to intensified emotions is an irreparable mistake. Slovenia, which failed to win a medal, will play Lithuania in the rankings match on the 7th.