Defending champions United States will play 2004 gold medalists Argentina and reigning European kings Spain will meet Russia in the Olympic men's basketball semi-finals after triumphs.
The NBA "Dream Team" advanced by beating Australia 119-86 while Argentina, who upset the Americans in the 2004 Olympics semi-finals but lost to them in the 2008 semis, reached the final four by beating arch-rival Brazil 82-77 yesterday.
"If we have a one percent chance to beat them, we will give our best to make it happen," Argentine NBA sharpshooter Carlos Delfino said.
Australia scored the first 11 points of the second half against the US stars to pull within 56-53 but Kobe Bryant, who led the US with 20 points, hit three three-pointers in a row in 31 final-quarter seconds to seal the triumph.
"I just found myself in a pretty good rhythm," Bryant said. "I found myself with some daylight and things were going in for me."
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US NBA star Deron Williams had 18 points and Carmelo Anthony added 17 while NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant had 14 and LeBron James added 11 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists but the US stars struggled at times.
"We've got to be in full throttle from the start against Argentina," Anthony said.
Spain ousted France 66-59 and Russia downed Lithuania 83-74 to book their spots in Friday's other semi-final matchup. Russia could claim an Olympic medal under their own flag for the first time since the break-up of the Soviet Union.
"This is a big step for our country and our basketball," said Russia captain Sergey Monya. "I think we deserve this."