Argentina's players smiled, hugged and sung "Volveremos, volveremos campeones" (We will return as champions) on the bench with more than a quarter still to play.

Against one of the best teams in Japan this summer, Turkey, the Olympic champions rolled to an easy 83-58 victory.

Turkey were terrific in Hamamatsu, and they fought bravely against Slovenia in Saitama to reach the last eight, but Argentina were at a higher level in their meeting.

After the game, center Fabricio Oberto and his Argentina team-mates ran across the court and danced in front of their ecstatic fans.

When asked about the celebration, Fabricio Oberto told FIBA it was a way to relieve the pressure that has been on this team since the start of preparations earlier this summer.

FIBA: What is it about Argentina in these tournaments, Fabricio? They don¡¯t start fast, but come good at the right time? They were amazing against Turkey.

Oberto: "In the pre-season, we got a lot of rest and then in the game, we couldn¡¯t be at the right level. But we seemed to be at the right level against Turkey. We need to keep increasing our level, I hope on Friday (against Spain.)."

FIBA: Were you surprised by the margin of victory against Turkey?

Oberto: "It looks pretty easy for the people back in Argentina, but it¡¯s not. Turkey didn¡¯t have a good night. Really, throughout this tournament, Turkey has been playing very good and they deserve some credit."

FIBA: Fabricio, what can you tell me about your rookie season in San Antonio? Has it been a great time so far?

Oberto: "Yes, it¡¯s been a great time, great season. I¡¯m hoping that next year, it¡¯s going to be even better."

FIBA: After a long NBA season, you spend your summer with the national team. Is right about now when it starts to feel worthwhile?

Oberto: "Yes, it¡¯s worth it 100%. We enjoy it a lot when we play together. We will keep trying to improve our level even more by Friday."

FIBA: I¡¯ve never seen an Argentina team so happy and relaxed on the bench with so much time left in the game, and then you went and danced in front of your fans after the final buzzer.

Oberto: "(Laughing) We used to do a lot crazier things like dance or stand among the people. In Argentina, when you succeed in life, sometimes that adds more pressure. We carry that pressure with us, but we have to enjoy every moment."

FIBA: How exciting is it that you will now get to go up against Spain? So many players in the Argentina team play or played, like you formerly at Pamesa Valencia, in Spain.

Oberto: "Oh, we¡¯d like to play Spain in the final. They have a great team and play at a very high level, like Gasol, Navarro and Garbajosa. It¡¯s going to be a great match.

FIBA: Spain beat you twice in the build-up to Japan. Is that a concern?

Oberto: We couldn¡¯t play the pre-season games at 100% so this will be a very good test for us".

FIBA: Why are Spain such a good team?

Oberto: "They play a very fast offense. Every player can be very offensive, very aggressive. We couldn¡¯t beat their defense and I think we¡¯ll have to be very patient and play our game."

FIBA: Is this period of time the happiest in your career?

Oberto: "It¡¯s a great moment for me. I know I am enjoying this. It was a little tough to get into shape. I am trying to get my game back. The happiest moment would be to get in the final and win the championship."

FIBA: There are a lot of people who remember you for being a great player in Europe and would like to see you there again. Is there any chance of that happening?

Oberto: "It¡¯s a real challenge for me to get the spot in the (San Antonio Spurs) team. I have to work, and I think next year I¡¯m going to be hungry for that spot."

FIBA: Have you changed much as a player since moving to the NBA?

Oberto: "Of course. I¡¯m more calm, trying to learn about another way to play the game. The NBA is not just a show, you have to learn the way to play that (style) of game."