BEIJING, Sept. 14 -- Prior to the United States' dominance in world basketball for nearly a decade, it was Argentina and Spain that became the winners of the two major international tournaments, with the former as the 2004 Olympic Games gold medallists, and the latter crowned in the 2006 World Championships.

Now, it's their turn to once again go head-to-head for the world championship again after team USA surrendered their crown.

It's definitely a duel of the ages, as veterans have played an integral part throughout the tournament.

With four points on the score sheet after the first half, Spanish center Marc Gasol made timely adjustment afterward to register 33 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks in a historic double-overtime win over Australia.

As his elder brother Pau always did in international duties, the 34-year-old Marc contributed a lot inside the paint, powering Spain to an unbeaten run in seven World Cup matches with an average of 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists.

"It's not just because we'll play in the final, but because of having the opportunity to pass on the commitment and loyalty to the national team. These are the values and legacy we've been taught," said Gasol, who is bidding to become the second player winning World Cup and NBA titles in the same year after Lamar Odom in 2010. Gasol hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy with Toronto Raptors in last season's NBA.

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