And Carvalho's team next faces Germany with the chance of capturing second place in Group B of the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

One of the keys to the game will be Carlos Almeida, Carvalho's veteran swingman who hasn't produced so consistently at this tournament. Almeida was held to just two points on 1-of-8 shooting against Spain on Wednesday.

Almeida took time to talk to FIBA about the game versus Spain; second place in Group B and the team's chances the rest of the way.

FIBA: Carlos, Angola fell behind 13 after the first quarter against Spain but fought back to within four late in the game. What are your thoughts on the team's showing today?
Almeida: We knew the game would be difficult. For us, Spain is one of the best teams in the tournament. Our point was to play good defense and be in it at the end. We had a big chance to show how strong we are and the wins before this were not luck. Spain will fight for the title.

FIBA: The team has already guaranteed a spot in the knock-out stages in Saitama. What is Angola looking to accomplish next?
Almeida: Our big objective was to avoid one of the top teams from the other group (Group A). Now we'll see if we could do that.

FIBA: Finishing second in the group could mean meeting the United States in the quarters if you finish second. Are you worried about that at all?
Almeida: If we finish second it would be a great result that we did much better than we expected. We're just trying to do the same against Germany that we did today. We have to keep the score low and keep the game in hand. They have very good players with a lot of excellent experience.

FIBA: Antonio Carvalho hit some important three-pointers and Joaquim Gomes scored 11 of his 24 points in the third quarter when you made your biggest comeback. What do they bring to the team?
Almeida: They always help out the other guys. Joaquim, for example, we told him to watch for us when (Spanish center Pau) Gasol comes to help on defense. And Gasol did that and Gomes did a great job converting his chances.

FIBA: After pulling to within four points and knowing you had a serious chance of beating a great team like Spain, is the team more happy or disappointed?
Almeida: We feel more happy. We did a great job today. This shows how well we are playing right now. Spain has been winning by 20 points, and we took the game to them. With this kind of game our confidence will grow.

FIBA: Thursday's game pits you against a team with an NBA star like Dirk Nowitzki. Most Angolan players remain in the league. Do you see a bigger challenge, knowing you're playing against an NBA superstar?
Almeida: Maybe people didn't think we had a chance, that we were not as good as Spain. And today they showed why they're the top players in the game. But we have so much potential too. So we'll see.

FIBA: Angolans almost exclusively play in the home league. After the kind of performance the team is showing here, you think some of them can earn a basketball job playing in Europe next season?
Almeida: We've had difficulties playing in Europe because we don't have a lot of scouts here. And some players decide to stay at home and close to their families. But a lot of guys would have the opportunity.

FIBA: What did you think about your struggles out there today, scoring just two points.
Almeida: I played for the team. And that makes us stronger. When that happens we have success. We want to show everyone great basketball.

FIBA: Well, good luck against Germany and in the remainder of the tournament.
Almeida: Thanks a lot.