Yugoslavia postage stamps year 1998 World Champions in Basketball – Athens MNH**
Yugoslavia won the 1998 FIBA World Championship in basketball, which was held in Athens, Greece from July 29 to August 9, 1998. This was Yugoslavia’s fifth world championship title.
Key Highlights of the Tournament:
- Final Match: Yugoslavia defeated Russia 64-62 in a thrilling final.
- MVP: Dejan Bodiroga (Yugoslavia) played a crucial role in leading his team to victory.
- Top Players: Along with Bodiroga, other key players included Željko Rebrača, Aleksandar Đorđević, and Predrag Stojaković.
- Coach: Željko Obradović guided the team to another world title.
- NBA Lockout Influence: Due to the 1998 NBA lockout, the USA team did not feature NBA stars and was instead composed of CBA and college players, which made the competition more open.
Yugoslavia’s Road to Victory:
- Group Stage: Dominated early games, securing a strong position.
- Knockout Rounds: Overcame tough opponents, including Greece in the semifinals.
- Final vs. Russia: In a close and tense battle, Yugoslavia held on for the win, cementing their legacy as one of the best basketball nations.
This victory reaffirmed Yugoslavia’s dominance in international basketball before the country’s eventual dissolution in the early 2000s.
