MANILA, Philippines -- When Team USA assembled its roster and decided on its game plan for this World Cup cycle, they made a bet. It was a sensible bet and they stacked the deck as much as they could to try to win it, but the reality was they entered knowing they left themselves exposed.
That wager -- that size differential could be overcome with other attributes -- has failed. Germany, another European team that towered over the Americans, used the given advantage and beat Team USA 113-111 in the world semifinals Friday.
It will deny the Americans gold in the event for a second consecutive time.