| 09.06.2009
With Amaya Valdemoro sidelined by a calf injury, Spain have received standout performances from Anna Montanana at the EuroBasket Women in Latvia.
Playing in her third European Championsip, the Ros Casares power forward had a game-high 24 points and also came up with six steals in her team's 71-54 victory over previously unbeaten Slovakia on Tuesday.
Montanana spoke to FIBA Europe shortly after Spain celebrated their third win in Liepaja.
FIBA Europe: Congratulations Anna. Going into the tournament, could you have predicted that Spain would go into the Qualifying Round of the EuroBasket unbeaten and with three wins?
Montanana: We are very happy to be going to Riga undefeated. We faced adversity in our preparation and going into the tournament without Amaya Valdemoro available. But we won our opening two games and that gives you confidence. Against Slovakia we thought the game would be more complicated than the end result. We had watched them play their opening two games and they had enjoyed good results before coming to Latvia so we were a little bit anxious. But the team reacted well and I think overcoming adversities is something we are good at.
FIBA Europe: You have enjoyed a great season with Ros Casares, winning the Spanish Liga Femenina and the Copa de la Reina title. How difficult is it to overcome a long season and gear up for the EuroBasket?
Montanana: When we finished the season we only had three days off to rest before joining up with the national team. I do notice the tiredness every day, in every training session, especially the mental one. But you try to put it aside and do the best you can for your national team.
FIBA Europe: How difficult has it been without Valdemoro on the court?
Montanana: Amaya is our undisputed leader and to play without her has meant that other players in the team have had to step up. Playing as a team has been the key to our success so far. But we hope Amaya can recover and play in the next round in Riga. We know that against Hungary (or Poland) and Latvia we need her. She is very important to us.
FIBA Europe: This EuroBasket Women has allowed us to see the next generation of Spain with players like Anna Cruz, Silvia Dominguez and Alba Torrens enjoying more minutes. What can you tell us about these players?
Montanana: They all have our trust and support. They have adapted well. Anna Cruz is 22 and after a good season with her club, she's been given an opportunity to play for the senior team. I think she is taking advantage. She is in good form and she will continue to grow. The rest of the youngsters will start earning a name for themselves in this team. This is a great experience for them.
FIBA Europe: Spain finished runners up in the last EuroBasket in Italy and you enjoyed a fifth-place finish at the Olympics in China. Is the aim to reach the podium in Riga?
Montanana: We want to qualify for the World Championship. That is our primary aim. It would be great to reach the podium again but to think about the gold or silver medal right now it feels like climbing Mount Everest. We simply have to take it one game at a time as we have done so far.
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