After two great victories to start the Olympic Games, the Blues fell to an Australian team that had to win to reach the quarter-finals. The players of Jean-Aimé Toupane thus suffered inside (44 points conceded under the circle) against an intense and physical team.
“We didn't do our best defense” analysis Marine Johannès. “In attack, we didn't share the ball as much as usual, we were quite static and we didn't manage to create space. Afterwards, Australia offered a game that we hadn't necessarily seen before, during the preparation matches. It was quite intense.”
Already qualified for the next round before the match, the French may have played with the handbrake on.
“It might wake us up too. It's true that we had two great wins at the beginning so maybe we let up a bit. In any case, the quarter-final is the most important match of the competition. So we'll have to be ready, no matter who we play.”
“I've already said it, but we're not necessarily used to it. It shows that French basketball is evolving and that we're being followed more and more.”
Especially since, like Valériane Ayayi, who was quickly sanctioned for two fouls, the Blues were “cooled”.
“We were more penalized by the referees. That happens too, but it may have made us take a step back from other matches and it may have changed our dynamic.”confirms Marine Johannès.
When she showed up in the “mixed zone”, Marine Johannès knew that the next opponent for Les Bleues would be Germany. What she didn't know was that the draw would be rather lenient, allowing the French team to avoid the United States' part of the draw, so as not to have to meet Team USA before the final.
A victory against Australia would have ensured it, but by challenging a Belgium that was gaining strength from the quarter-finals. Ultimately, this defeat could therefore be a good deal for the Blues…
“It was really incredible to play in these conditions” concludes in any case the shooter of the Blues, while the meeting broke an attendance record for a women's match. “I've already said it, but we're not necessarily used to it. It shows that French basketball is evolving and that we're being followed more and more. It's all positive.”
Interview conducted in Villeneuve d'Ascq | Photo credit: FIBA
