Mighty US face China in basketball

Beijing: Nerves of steel will be needed when the US men's basketball team face Beijing Olympic hosts China in a blockbuster opening game today.

Though an ambush of the NBA's top talent is a far-fetched notion, a Yao Ming-led China could push the US hard in what is likely to be the most-viewed sport event ever in the country.

"Playing China in the very first game, I don't know if it gets better than that," said American coach Mike Krzyzewski before their Group B clash. "I hope we're not too excited. I think it helps us prepare for the rest of the competition."

The US team are still smarting from being relegated to bronze at the 2004 Athens Games and the world championships two years ago, but believe they are better prepared this time around.

"We knew we weren't ready for the 2004 Olympics," US assistant coach Nate McMillan told Reuters. "We had to make changes. In the past we've spent two to three weeks getting ready for the Games. This time we've spent three years.

Better competition

"I can't even imagine what (former Olympic coaches) Chuck Daly and Larry Brown had to go through years ago. I wouldn't say we haven't taken it seriously but in the past we have been able to do that and win. But other countries are better now."

World champions Spain and reigning Olympic gold medallists Argentina are likely to be the US team's biggest rivals for the Beijing title.

Pau Gasol leads the Spanish against Greece in their Group B opener, a rematch of the 2006 world championship final while Dirk Nowitzki's Germany face Angola in the group's other game.

European champions Russia kick off the men's competition against outsiders Iran in Group A with Argentina opening their title defence against Lithuania. Australia's hopes were given a boost when NBA centre Andrew Bogut was passed fit for the game with Croatia after twisting an ankle in a warm-up game.

"I'm fine," he said. "I practised yesterday for the first time in about four days and pulled up pretty well..."

Yao Ming-led China could push the US hard in what is likely to be the most-viewed sport event ever in the country...