Two years ago it was Turkey who hosted the EuroBasket games, and had big dreams.

Now they had to travel west to Vasto, Italy for EuroBasket 2007, where they'll face Latvia on opening day.

Two years from now it will be Latvia who will host EuroBasket women, and they'll use this tournament to pick up their game and try to be as ready as possible for the bigger task two years from now.

But this game is more about the former hostess against the next one.

These two teams are new to EuroBasket, Turkey played for their first time two years ago as hostess.

Latvia played only in 1999 and 2005, both are very enthusiastic and full of energy to show their game, and prove they belong here.

Head-to-Head: Two years ago, on Turkish soil, Latvia managed to stop the Turkish dream of making it to the World Championship with a 78-81 win in the 5-8 classification games.

Key Match Up: Just like two years ago we can expect a big battle between the two main canons of each team. Nevriye Yilmaz had 28 points and 13 rebounds in the last official match up between the two teams, but saw Anete Jekabsone-Zogota hit her tournament-high with 30 points in great accuracy. These two are suppose to set the tone this time as well.

Statistics: In the qualifiers Turkey was the best offensive team – the only one who scored more than 80 points per game. They did that by excelling in long range shots, and that will be the main task of Latvia on opening night. Latvia scored in all their four qualification games between 70-72, so Turkey's target will be to cross that line.

What It Means: No crucial meaning for both sides but momentum . Every team wants to start the championship on the right foot, get a good energy and march happily to day 2. In case both will qualify to the next round, a win here, even by a single point, can make a whole difference.

Sounding off: "I don't care about opponents, I am only worried about the physical and mental condition of our players. If my players are ready to play, we can beat any team but if they are not, we can lose every game." Turkey coach Cem Akdag.