SAITAMA, Japan, Aug 31 - A United States team eschewing the trash-talking swagger of previous incarnations find themselves two wins away from the promised land.

The tournament favourites take on Greece in Friday's semi-finals of the world basketball championship, with either Argentina or Spain to provide the final hurdle.

All four teams have come through the tournament with a perfect 7-0 record but the onus is on the U.S. team's big-name players to end a six-year major title drought in Japan.

The Americans finished an embarrassing sixth at the last world championships in Indianapolis and took bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"We have to bring our A-plus game," co-captain LeBron James told reporters. "It's win or go home -- win or die."

James, careful to avoid sounding brash, warned against over-confidence in Friday's clash with European champions Greece.

"It will be a very competitive game against Greece," he said. "Greece are a team that's been together a long time. We'll have to maintain focus and take care of business."

In reality, the depth of the U.S. squad points to another 20-point blowout before the Americans face their first genuine challenge in Sunday's final.

'DREAM TEAM' LABEL

Despite having long since ditched the 'Dream Team' label, Carmelo Anthony warned that the U.S. were still the team to beat.

"We control our destiny," said the Denver Nuggets forward, who has become the team's go-to player during the tournament.

"If we go out there and play good, the sky's the limit."

The U.S. will need to improve on their performance in their 85-65 quarter-final win over Germany when they shot just 38 percent from the floor.

But even allowing for more woeful outside shooting, the Americans' superior athleticism and open court speed is likely to overpower Greece's physical zone defense.

Greece may lack the weapons to take advantage but Argentina and a sharp-shooting Spanish team -- both winning their games by an average of 25 points -- are capable of an upset.

Olympic champions Argentina lost twice to Spain in championship warm-up games but Argentine coach Sergio Hernandez shrugged of the significance of those defeats.

"I don't care -- that was practice," he said.

"This is different. Both teams play similar games with smart players. It will be a great, great game."

A red-hot Spain, led by Memphis Grizzlies forward Pau Gasol, are on a 16-game winning streak and Argentina's floor leader Manu Ginobili is under no illusions about what it will take to win.

"We have to play a perfect game," he said.