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The Dominion Finance NZ Tall Blacks will enter next yearís Olympic repechage tournament knowing they have already beaten two of their toughest opponents for a spot at Beijing.
With the completion of FIBA Eurobasket, the last of the zonal qualifying events, the field for the repechage is complete and includes Croatia and Slovenia, the Kiwisí biggest scalps during their 2007 campaign.
The Tall Blacks edged eventual winners Slovenia at the Boris Stankoic Cup 74-72 in Macau, then toppled the Croatians 79-77 on their home court last month. Greece and Germany complete the European contingent at the repechage.
With three teams to progress, New Zealand enter the event ranked fourth among the countries entered. The full list (with world ranking) is Ö
Europe
Greece (seventh)
Germany (10th)
Croatia (21st)
Slovenia (19th)
Americas
Puerto Rico (12th)
Brazil (17th)
Canada (16th)
Africa
Cameroon (49th)
Cape Verde (56th)
Asia
Lebanon (23rd)
Korea (25th)
Oceania
New Zealand (13th)
After Russia pipped world champions Spain 60-59 for the European title, the Olympic field for Beijing looks like this Ö
Hosts
China (11th)
World champions
Spain (third)
Europe
Russia (18th)
Lithuania (fifth)
Americas
United States (first)
Argentina (second)
Africa
Angola (14th)
Asia
Iran (unranked)
Oceania
Australia (ninth)
Repechage
Three teams to qualify
