LEON (Mexico) - Canada are just one win away from their first ever FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup Final, while Spain will be out to continue their rich tradition of stepping out in the showpiece game.
This Semi-Final has all the elements of being a blockbuster contest and potentially one of the games of the tournament. After all, something has to give because both teams are a perfect five wins from five games on Mexican soil.
Key Matchup
Agot Makeer has made some serious noise for Canada as the second highest scorer in the competition with a fantastic 23.9 points per game. When she finds the hot hand, she is a walking bucket and Spain will want to turn that offensive tap off!
It will be interesting who takes that assignment and Gina Garcia could be the one to step up - although Spain do have plenty of viable options for the role.
X-Factor
The defensive intensity of Canada has been seriously fierce throughout the tournament and it is the fuel for their offensive fire - something that has torched all of their opponents.
Averaging an eye-popping 17.6 steals per game, Canada will be looking to turn the screw with their quick hands and ball pressure.
Will Spain stand up to it or will they melt under that defensive heat? It's going to be intriguing since while Canada have the second most steals in the competition, there's good news for Spain. They take such good care of the ball and have second fewest turnovers.
Stats Don't Lie
Both teams are in this Semi-Final because nobody has been able to keep pace with them so far. Canada are the second highest scorers in the competition with more than 88 points per game and Spain are third with more than 78 per game.
While Canada have relied heavily on a couple of standout individuals, you have to be impressed with Spain's ball movement and teamwork because they dish more assists out than any other team with a brilliant 23.0 per game. But as mentioned in the 'X-Factor', will Canada disrupt that slick passing machine?
Past matchups
These teams have largely dodged each other in the big games down the years, while in recent times it has been Spain who have held the upper hand.
Even if it has been only in Group stage games, they have had the edge - winning 60-57 at the last edition and 72-50 in 2018. Canada are closing the gap - is now the time they will wrap up an overdue victory?
FIBA