HIROSHIMA, Japan, Aug 20 - The world basketball championships gets its first marquee matchup of the tournament on Monday when Germany's Dirk Nowitzki and Spain's Pau Gasol square off in contest that could decide top spot in Group D.

Both Nowitzki and Gasol, however, warned not to expect too many fireworks with international rules defusing much of the potential for a one-on-one showdown between the two top players from outside the United States.

"It's more of a team game here," Nowitzki, told reporters after Germany swept aside New Zealand 80-56 on Sunday. "In the NBA you can have more one-on-one and one player can have a big impact.

"Here with the illegal defences, you need more of a team effort, more ball movement."

While Nowitzki and Gasol downplayed their meeting, the potential for a mouth-watering clash between two of the NBA's biggest talents and drawing cards appears inevitable.

Having put their stamp on the NBA, both Gasol and Nowitzki arrived in Japan eager to leave their mark on the international game by leading their countries to a maiden world title.

Nowitzki underlined his leadership credentials earlier this year, guiding the Dallas Mavericks all the NBA finals before falling to the Miami Heat.

During the post-season, the 28-year-old power forward averaged 27 points and over 11 rebounds and posted playoff highs of 50 points against Phoenix and 21 rebounds against San Antonio.

Nowitzki also knows his way around the international game having guided Germany to a silver medal at last year's European championships earning MVP honours.

Gasol's resume is no less glittering.

The towering Spaniard has established himself as the Memphis Grizzlies leader and the heart of Spanish squad that is tipped to as the favourite to challenge the United States for the gold medal.

Gasol also has impeccable international credentials, finishing as top scorer at the 2003 European championships and 2004 Olympics.

But the one thing remaining from Catalan's trophy case is medals, Spain having yet to reach the podium at an Olympics or world championship.

"The team doesn't need me to standout, we have lots of guys who can score," said Gasol, who had a game-high 26 points in Spain's 101-57 win over Panama. "But it's going to be fun and challenging. It's a game for first place and that's what we want.

"It's going to be good for us to play a team that makes it hard for us."