Olympic hosts France impressed as they put on an all-around clinic to beat Germany 84-71 in the women’s basketball quarter-finals in Paris.
This will be France’s fourth straight Olympic semi-final appearance, as they had too much firepower for their counterparts.
Leading 23-19 after the first, the French burst into life with a 17-5 run at the start of the second, and Germany couldn’t respond, nor did they recover.
Marine Johannes came off the bench for a team-high 24 points for France. Gabby Williams added 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
“There is always a little bit of stress, but the fact we didn’t crack under it feels great,” Williams said.
“Now we can breathe a little more easily – but not too much. It’s great to get to the semis.
“It never gets old with Marine [Johannes], even though I have seen it so many times. Sometimes you don’t believe it when you see it.”
Nyara Sabally had 20 points and 13 rebounds for Germany.
France will now face Belgium in a highly anticipated semi-final clash after the European champions defeated Spain 79-66.
In a mirror image of the France-Germany first half, Belgium stormed clear in the second after the first ten minutes was all knotted at 26-26.
A 21-11 second period was followed by a 9-2 run in the third, putting the game beyond any doubt and stamping Belgium’s ticket into the last four for the first time ever.
Emma Meesseman impressed again, scoring 19 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals in a dazzling display.
“We are just enjoying it now and that is what everyone sees on the court,” Meesseman said.
She added: “We are laughing and having a lot of fun. We already feel a huge difference with all the people that are watching us now because it is the Olympics.
“It was growing so much after the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket, and the numbers watching on TV were insane. Now, here at the Olympics I know even more people are watching us, talking about us.”
Two European sides have made the semi-finals, but there won’t be three as Serbia fell short against Australia.
A dominating display from Alanna Smith destroyed a woeful Serbian side, as the Opals reached the last four with an 85-67 win.
She went for 22 points and 13 rebounds, shooting nearly 54% from the floor.
The Aussies will meet the USA in the semis as they saw off a stubborn and proud Nigeria side 88-74 in the final game of the day.
While it was business as usual for the USA as they continued to bear down on yet another Olympic gold, Nigeria bowed out with nothing to be ashamed of.
A’Ja Wilson secured a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, as she went 9/11 from the floor.
