SAITAMA -- Theodoros Papaloukas experienced something unfamiliar at the FIBA World Championship: a loss in a title game.

The Greek star was on quite a roll. His nation won EuroBasket 2005. His pro club, CSKA Moscow, captured the 2006 Euroleague title. He received MVP accolades at both tournaments.

On Sunday night, nobody on Greece's roster played like an MVP in the team's 70-47 loss to Spain.

"I think it was a difficult game for us," Papaloukas said. "Spain was better mentally prepared than us."

Despite the team's defeat, Papaloukas focused on the positives.

"I think we had a great journey from the first day of practice to here," he said. He added: "If I was told two, three months ago that we'll win the silver, I would have been very happy."

"Back in Greece most of the people are celebrating in the streets for the silver medal."

For Papaloukas and his teammates, the runnerup spot was a reminder to the team that "we know we are a good team," he said.

Now the team has nine games (and eight wins) in Japan to look back on as a learning experience.

EuroBasket 2007 and the 2008 Summer Olympics are just around the corner for this talented team. Two years later, Turkey will host the world tournament.

"It's the first World Championship for me," Papaloukas concluded. "I had a great time, and I hope Greece will be here again and maybe win the gold medal next time."