Heroic against Canada, the French team qualifies for the semi-finals

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.

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 Accor Arena in Paris-Bercy.

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 silver in Tokyo). It will be Thursday against Germany, who beat Greece with authority 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).

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 usually well-oiled engine of the Canadians 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 paint. But others took over, and not necessarily those expected: Yabusele, Cordinier and Mathias Lessort. Opposite, only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was at the level of the match (27 points). RJ Barrett and Dillon Brooks suffered in attack, and were hampered by fouls.

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.