QF Preview: Can Hungary’s bigs threaten USA?

Buoyed by a brilliant three wins in row, they will be determined to celebrate making the top eight of the World Cup for the first time in 40 years - but could Hungary really pull off a massive upset?

Stung by the analysis of their close-call in the group phase against Italy, there's no doubt USA will be tuned in for this one as they continue the defence of their crown.

Both teams will fight it out for a place in Saturday's Semi-Finals. Click here for the full schedule.

Key Matchup

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USA know Euroleague Women MVP Dorka Juhasz well from her WNBA outings. And, there is little doubt that to stay competitive and have a shot at Hungary causing a shock, her team will need a big show from their star center.

She was relatively quiet against Japan as others stepped up, but this is one where she will need to get back to her brilliant best.

Of course, USA have the option to rotate defensive assignments using most of their frontcourt and that probably means any combination of Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese or Aliyah Boston.

Plus, there is also the in-form Virag Takacs-Kiss to keep an eye on too. The Hungarian captain and other half of their 'Twin Towers' has been superb so far as well.

Stats Don't Lie

USA have monumental bench depth when it comes to scoring with 46.7 points per game and Hungary benefiting from less than half of that with 23.3 per outing. The teams actually shoot the ball with broadly similar percentages, Hungary slightly better downtown and USA slightly better inside.

One area USA will look to exploit is Hungary's 21.5 turnovers per game while Hungary might feel good about having a marginally better defensive rebounding record as their opponents, since that could be vital.

The Killer Questions

Can Hungary live with the guard and wing matchups? On paper USA have superstars in the backcourt, so Hungary must play beyond their natural level. Reka Lelik was excellent against Japan and another performance like this would be welcomed.

For USA, is it now boiling down to Coach Kara Lawson finding her best combinations as things get serious heading into tournament crunch time? Positive connections on the floor are essential now they are potentially three wins away from the top of the podium.

Recent Game History

Threre is not recent game history, since this will be the first World Cup meeting between both nations since way back in 1986. USA won that one 78-63 en-route to taking the title in Moscow, Russia.

Their lineup includes the likes of Cheryl Miller, Teresa Edwards and Katrina McClain, with Hungary fielding their own big-hitters in Zsuzanna Boksay and Agnes Nemeth.

FIBA