London 2012 Countdown: Soviet Union Beat USA At 1972 Olympics Basketball Final (VIDEO)

WATCH Great Olympic Moments: When The USSR Beat The USA At Basketball (1972)
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London 2012 is under two months away from commencing, which means it's time for us to start our daily offering of magnificent Olympic moments in the Games' history.

We start today with one of the most controversial events. Black September had already cast the darkest of shadows over the Munich games in 1972, when 11 Israeli athletes were killed by the terrorist group.

To compound tragedy came controversy. Already a fatal political message had been made, before the United States and the Soviet Union went head-to-head in the men's basketball final.

The Cold War threatened to turn hot after an extraordinary finale. At one point, Americans poured onto the court in victory, along with relief and joy. But then they were informed there were three more seconds to play, with Alexander Belov waiting to heat things up...