"We are ready, we have organized training, we have prepared a game plan," the 43-year-old basketball specialist said in a low voice before the match.

Ahead of Tuesday's quarterfinal clash with Lithuania, the Greeks' training session was full of seriousness.

On Sunday, the Greek national team defeated the Israeli team 84:79. In the victorious match, the Greeks hit just 4 of 25 three-pointers (16 percent).

On the eve of the match against Lithuania, the brightest star of Greek basketball Giannis Antetokounmpo did not communicate with the media.

His brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo shared his thoughts about the Lithuanians.

"We have to work hard and stick to the game plan. Lithuania is a good team. I love Lithuania, I love Lithuanians, one of my friends is Lukas Lekavičius. It's not just about the national team, it's about how they (Lithuanians) love basketball," said the 33-year-old basketball player.

In the quarterfinals of the 2017 European Basketball Championship, the Greeks defeated the Lithuanians 77:64, and in that match, it was Th. Antetokounmpo who made the crucial long-range shot into the Lithuanian basket.

"Wow, you reminded me of that. Crazy (smiles). I don't actually think about it, I think about this day, the only thing to think about is this day," the Greek smiled.

In the Round of 16, his brother Giannis was an unstoppable force - the Milwaukee Bucks star scored 37 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and collected 37 efficiency points.

At that time, the Lithuanian national team advanced to the European Championship playoffs without its leader Rokas Jokubaitis.

The defender suffered a knee injury during the group stage that ended his performance in the tournament.

"R. Jokubaitis was the heart of the team, the leader, he constantly played with the ball. He felt Jonas Valančiūnas and other players well. But they (Lithuanians) know how to play basketball without Rokas. The Lithuanian basketball school has been known for a long time, we have to fulfill our plan," said V. Spanoulis.

When asked if he expects J.Valančiūnas to spend more time on the field in the match against Greece, the specialist cut short.

"We will be ready for anything," he said.

The Greek team took first place in Group C, defeating Cyprus, Italy, Georgia and Spain in Limassol, but lost 77:80 to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"We have a balanced lineup - great team chemistry, we have experienced, young players, snipers, leaders, creators," the strategist continued.

The quarter-final between Lithuania and Greece will take place on Tuesday, at 9 p.m.

Lithuanian national team at the European Championship. Lithuania – Great Britain 94:70, Lithuania – Montenegro 94:67, Lithuania – Germany 88:107, Lithuania – Finland 81:78, Lithuania – Sweden 74:71, Lithuania – Latvia 88:79.