Belgian fans are present at the Arena Bercy for this “small final” of the 2024 Olympic Games, against Australia. Antonia Delaere starts the hostilities from afar, followed obviously by Emma Meesseman. But the Opals respond, notably by Ezi Magbegor. And take the advantage at the buzzer, by Isobel Borlase (20-19).
Rachid Meziane's team seems a little tired, while the entry of the substitutes poses a problem again and allows Australia to increase its lead (32-25). As against the Blues in the group stage, Sandy Brondello's players are looking for gaps to attack the racket.
The Belgian starters, however, put the house back in order, with Julie Vanloo putting on a show by providing Emma Meesseman with a superb pass behind the back on the counter-attack.
Julie Vanloo sounds the Belgian revolt
At half-time, Australia was still in the lead, but by just one point (37-36) thanks to Ezi Magbegor (14 points), against the duo Emma Meesseman (15 points) – Antonia Delaere (10 points).
Ezi Magbegor continued her undermining work after the break and Australia kept the upper hand (46-40). With the help of Sami Whitcomb, she increased the gap by taking advantage of Belgian turnovers. But Julie Vanloo had no intention of letting the “Belgian Cats” finish just off the podium, and her baskets did a lot of good.
With great force, and pushed by the crowd at the Arena Bercy, the Belgians are back in front! Monumental, Julie Vanloo scores a final basket to allow her team to take the lead (61-60) with ten minutes to go.
The leader scored 13 points in this third quarter alone, while Emma Meesseman rested…
The more solid Opals
And Julie Vanloo continues with a 3-pointer to start the fourth quarter (64-60). Still as hot, she sees Emma Meesseman come back into play… and make a lucky shot with the backboard. But Australia fights and regains the advantage by emphasizing its inner strength, while Julien Vanloo misses a few shots.
With four minutes to go, the Opals have the upper hand (76-69) but the Meesseman – Linskens duo responds again. And on a new 3-pointer from Antonia Delaere, Belgium is only three points behind (81-78). One minute left!
The full-back has the chance to equalise but his shot is blocked by Steph Talbot. Problem: coming out of the time-out, Belgium does not find Emma Meesseman in time and loses possession. The “Belgian Cats” let their chance slip away and so it is Australia who wins the bronze medal (85-81)!
Even though she did not play this match, it is therefore a fifth Olympic medal for Lauren Jackson, after silver in 2000, 2004 and 2008, then bronze in 2012.
Photo credit: FIBA
