Without a 3-pointer from Matthew Strazel's foul in the final minute, the France would have suffered a real snub against this Japanese team which has not won a match at the Olympic Games since… 1972.
Finally, at the end of a controlled extension, the Blues ensured the essential and Rudy Gobert could breathe a big sigh of relief after the buzzer.
” We were very scared, but we never stopped believing and, despite the difficulties, we got through it. ” judges the interior at the microphone of France TV. ” The most important thing is the victory, but it's not just a victory: there are many lessons, individual and collective, to take from this match. There are many things that we will have to do better if we want to go where we want to go. […] We will learn and continue to progress. »
Same story at Evan Fournierwho also wanted to highlight the great performance of the Japanese, whose team profile, with many small players who shoot excessively from 3-point range, does not suit the French, who prefer to rely on their size and physical qualities.
” We lacked a bit of serenity in the second half. » summary the back. It was an atypical match, but we got through it and moved forward.. »
An “alarming” performance?
For the hero of the afternoon, Matthew Strazelthe victory should not make us forget the difficulties seen throughout the match, while France now has two wins in two matches.
” The main thing is done » reacts the leader, in reference to the (almost) qualification for the quarter-finals. We got the victory, even if it's a bit alarming to take so many points and go into overtime in this kind of match.… »
But, on the captain's side, Nicolas Batumwe assure you that you don't necessarily have to worry about being so bothered by a team, in such a competition…
” It's the Olympics, the 12 best nations on the planet, so nothing is simple. » remember so the winger who has known others in the past. You could see it from the beginning: There was no blowout, other than Team USA. Almost every game was close. That's why we love the Olympics and basketball: to play those kinds of games. It was fun.. » But a little stressful all the same.
