The French, who showed a superb face, especially in defense (82-73), will once again be there in the last four. It will be against Germany, on Thursday.
France Télévisions – Sports Editorial
Published on 06/08/2024 20:04 Updated on 06/08/2024 21:03
Reading time: 2 min Victor Wembanyama savors after a successful first half by the Blues against Canada, in the quarter-finals of the men’s Olympic basketball tournament, at the Arena de Bercy, Tuesday, August 6, 2024. (LUIS TATO / AFP)
This French team has shortcomings but also and above all heart. In doubt after their defeat against Germany and not favorites against Canada, the Blues achieved a small feat by winning their quarter-final (82-73), Tuesday, August 6, at the Paris-Bercy Arena.
With this victory obtained above all through courage and a few well-judged changes, France continues its path towards a second Olympic medal in a row (after the silver in Tokyo). It will be on Thursday against Germany, who authoritatively defeated Greece this morning (76-63). In the other semi-final, Serbia awaits the winner of the United States-Brazil (9:30 p.m.).
Everything seemed fragile, and yet it couldn’t have started better. With an innovative starting five, without Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert, Vincent Collet wanted to surprise the Canadiens. It worked: under the impetus of the joker, Isaïa Cordinier (13 points in the first period, 20 in total), the Blues dug a first gap (16-5), which lasted until the break (45-29).
Paris 2024 – Basketball: Guerschon Yabusele: “We must not doubt ourselves”
Embarrassed by the size of Victor Wembanyama and the aggressiveness of the French, Jamal Murray’s teammates (7 points) seemed disoriented throughout the first period. With a stifling defense, the Blues blocked access to the basket, and seized up the Canadians’ usually well-oiled engine in a game of rare aggressiveness (42 free throws shot by the French, only 18 for their opponents).
To build this success, the Blues found the fundamentals repeated over and over by the staff: an iron defense that brings easy points. And this, despite the very discreet match of Wembanyama (7 points), shaken in the racket. But others took over, and not necessarily those expected: Yabusele, Cordinier and Mathias Lessort. “Today, the coach decided to do things differently. We all agreed with that, we followed, listened, and we went out to fight. We fought for 40 minutes, we stuck to our instructions, were strong in defense, we played together,” explained Yabusele at the exit.
Opposite, only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was at the level of the meeting (27 points). RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks suffered in attack, and were hampered by fouls.
Paris 2024 – Basketball: Victor Wembanyama: “Glad we’re back to basics”
“We have never shown such a solid face over 40 minutes, in all the preparationsaid Victor Wembanyama after the meeting. Now it’s just small details to sort out. We have to be the defensive and physical team of the tournament, without that we can’t win. We are determined to apply the coaches’ instructions, and if it’s like today we will win.” If everything is not settled, the Blues were able to show their best face at the right time, and will have two matches to snatch a trinket.
