U.S. men's basketball team beat Greece 87-59 in a friendly game held in Athens Olympic Stadium on Wednesday evening, three days ahead of the World Basketball Championship which runs from Aug. 28 to Sept. 12 in Turkey.

Wednesday's game was significant for the status of the two teams which are among the major teams to vie for the title in Turkey.

Greece had won over the so-called "Dream Team" in the 2006 FIBA World Championship and took the silver there. Spain claimed the gold medal.

In the preparation for the 2010 FIBA World Championship, the U.S. and the Greek team held a series of friendly games with European teams.

Greece will open against China in the world championship on Saturday.