Russian national team won second time in the selection tournament of the European championship-2003, this time - over Portugal: 90:77. It was the first time that Russian national team played in Perm. Notwithstanding the opponent wasn't very strong the spectators were numerous. Of course, some fans have come only to see Sergey Chikalkin, who made bright play in Ural Grate last season. But at the last minute it turned out that he would miss the game because of the injury, SE-Internet correspondent Alexey SHEVCHENKO reports.

However, our team needed rather a strong opponent than support. It was hard to get used to the Portuguese players. This confirmed the chief coach of the team Stanislav Eremin on the press conference after the match. Some players were sparing their strength throughout the play. But at the moments when the opponents were likely to breakthrough our players braced themselves and put everything in its place.

The only progress of the guest team is their victory in the third quarter. The chief coach of the Portugal team was pleased with his team, saying that this was the best possible result his team could achieve.

European championship-2003

Selection tournament

Men

Group E

RUSSIA - Portugal - 90:77 (24:14, 25:23, 22:25, 19:15)

RUSSIA: Karasev (25), Mikhailov (19), Z.Pashutin (16), Panov (7), Savrasenko (7), Padius (4).

Portugal: Dimaun (18), Pinto (14), Monteiro (14), Tavares (12).