"A normal game won't be enough, we'll have to do something special," said coach Vincent Collet before the France-Canada match.
And indeed, they pulled out all the stops for this quarter-final, starting the match strongly. By the first time-out, they were leading 16-5. In the first half, the French basketball team led 45-29. Technically, the first half was excellent. But it was in momentum and determination that the Tricolores shone, attacking the game at full speed and exerting strong pressure on the Canadians, despite being favourites for the match.
The game plan devised by Vincent Collet and his team proved successful. By having only one interior truly close to the circle, they managed to stretch the game, avoid crowding around Victor Wembanyama, and exploit Canada's defensive weakness near the basket.
The French hit hard where it hurts. While all eyes were on Victor Wembanyama, in the end it was Guerschon Yabusele and Mathias Lessort who shone. Yabusele scored 22 points, while Lessort added 13, including an impressive 9/14 on free throws, a notable performance for him. Isaïa Cordinier was also exceptional, scoring 20 points, including four crucial three-point shots to give Les Bleus momentum when they needed it. In the second half, the Canadians woke up and tightened up the game with a more aggressive defense. The second half was intense, largely due to Shaï Gilgeous-Alexander, who took the reins of the game and finished with 27 points.
After a grueling match in which the French team continued to lead, they finally qualified for the semi-finals by a score of 82 to 73. A fine revenge for the basketball team.
The French basketball team will meetGermany in the semi-finals on Thursday August 8, the same Germany that beat Les Bleus in Villeneuve d'Ascq just four days ago. Now fully fit, let's hope they get their revenge in the next game.
Paris 2024 Basketball: France-USA final - channel and time to watch the game live on TV
They did it! Les Bleus basketball team won their semi-final match against Germany. The French men's basketball team, led by captain Nicolas Batum, will face the USA for a gold medal. So, what channel, what day and what time will you be watching this basketball final between France and the USA? We tell you all! [Read more]
