Latvia have progressed to the last 8 of the FIBA World Cup

The presence of Latvia in the FIBA World Cup last 8 has certainly caught the eye with many domestic and international betting sites and questions are being asked as to just how far they can go in the competition.

Housed in a horrible looking group alongside Canada and France, the Latvians progressed, before seeing off Spain and Brazil to make it to the final 8.

Operating from a FIBA world ranking of 29, not much was expected of Latvia heading into the World Cup in Asia. Qualification for the competition was tight, following a tough European campaign and many just expected Latvia to make up the numbers in Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

However, they have produced some superb performances, catching the eye of punters and betting apps alike and they now find themselves very much dining at the top table of international basketball. 

European powerhouses Germany await in a tricky looking quarter final but having seen off both France and Spain so far in this tournament, they will be confident of causing a stir once more with plenty of betting sites.

European Heavyweights

The journey Latvia have enjoyed in the 2023 FIBA World Cup has come at the expense of two of the biggest countries in European basketball.

In the preliminary group rounds, Latvia weren’t expected to trouble France whatsoever, but they produced a superb performance, to see off les Bleus by 88 points to 86.

Finishing second in the group behind Canada potentially spelt the end for Latvia but they upset the major betting sites once more with an excellent display against Spain, another well-fancied outfit.

Mixing it with the big boys in Europe has long been a goal for Latvia, who have always had untapped potential in the basketball world, and it finally looks as if they are fulfilling it.

German challenge next

For all the positives surrounding Latvia currently, a sense of realism is needed, with the impressive German side next in line.

Germany have seen off the likes of Australia and Slovenia in getting this far and they are being monitored by punters and betting apps alike as a side that could potentially go all the way in this tournament.

The key battle for Latvia will be to stop Germany from utilising their many attacking outlets and they have a great team ethic, which makes them one of the favourites to win the tournament with many different betting sites.

Germany are $1.25 with PuntersPal to win this one, whilst Latvia are available at $4.00 with BoomBet.

Can Latvia go all the way?

Whilst their performances have made many old and new betting sites stand up and take note, Latvia still have some serious work to do if they are to go all the way and clinch FIBA World Cup glory in Asia.

Getting this far and battling it out with the top sides in the world is an achievement that has been recognised by many betting apps and punters and there is a degree of caution around writing Latvia off completely at this tournament.

At $31.00 with TopSport to win the 2023 FIBA World Cup, clearly they are not amongst the favourites but now they have reached the quarter finals, they will be dreaming of prolonging their run even further.

Whilst the classic tournament favourites such as the USA and Canada are dominating the headlines with many Aussie bookmakers, Latvia are flying the European flag with vigour.

Wins over Spain, France and Brazil have seen them reach the last 8 and they will be hoping to keep the Latvian nation dreaming of a famous win at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.