The USA Men's National Team on the podium with the gold medals after defeating the Serbia National Team in the 2014 FIBA World Cup Finals at Palacio de Deportes on September 14, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. [Photo: CFP]
The United States has taken victory in the final of the FIBA World Cup in Madrid, Spain.
The defending champions beat first-time finalist Serbia 129-92 to claim the title.
The US team, packed with NBA talent and experience, came through the group phase with a perfect 5-0 record.
Serbia's record is more modest, but has improved throughout the tournament.
They brushed aside unbeaten Greece in the round of 16, followed by a marginal win over Brazil in the quarter finals.
On Friday, Serbia reaped an impressive win against the French to secure their first World Cup final ticket.
Serbia coach Sasha Djordjevic knew the championship game would be a tough affair.
"Well, first of all, we have a lot of respect towards the opponent. I think they are the best team, or are amongst the two best, definitely. We are here to put our mark and to try to play the best game that we can and, why not, compete against them and try to find way to win the game. But obviously they have great coaches, great players, a great name and everything. We're just here to try to steal the championship from them."
The United States, who won gold in Turkey four years ago, has also become the third team in the history of FIBA's flagship event to win it on two successive occasions.
