After the United States-France final in the men's draw, these 2024 Olympic Games end with the same match, in the women's draw. It will start at 3:30 p.m.
For the Bleues of Marine Johannès and Gabby Williams, the task looks even more complicated than for Victor Wembanyama's team. Because the women's version of Team USA has more margin than the men's version, with quiet and controlled victories in the quarter-finals (Nigeria) and then in the semi-finals (Australia).
The two best players in the world face to face
As the Franco-American leader rightly explains, Cheryl Reeve's team simply relies on the two best players in the world: A'ja Wilson And Breanna Stewart.
“But we must not go into the match thinking that it is a lost cause or that a miracle is needed.” Gabby Williams still recalls. “We will have to believe in it. Until the end.”
A message echoed by Iliana Rupert, who was invaluable in the semi-final and who will still have a big role to play.
“They are players like any other” assures the daughter of the late Thierry Rupert. “The Americans have weaknesses, limits. We must not put them on a pedestal, we must not put them too high. I have no doubt with my teammates, we will not do it. We must play them eye to eye.”
Nothing to lose
The priority for the Blues will be to avoid losing the ball, by resisting the opposing defensive pressure, and especially not to feed the fast American game. Force Team USA to play on half-court, to work to find good shots, while managing to find some accuracy, hoping for a great match from Marine Johannès.
Above all, we must avoid the scenario of the 2012 Olympics where the “Braqueuses”, who had multiplied their exploits to reach the final, did not exist against Candace Parker and company (86-50).
“I spoke to Iliana (Rupert) about it, I told her: 'Don't do the stupid thing we did, celebrating the silver medal' Even if it was unexpected at the time” explains Isabelle Yacoubou. “They have to play the game to the fullest, because there is something to be gained. I hope they approach this game like all the others, not think that it is a lost cause like us. And play, without complexes, they have nothing to lose, everything to gain.”
US MAJOR FIVE
Chelsea Gray – Jackie Young – Napheesa Collier – Breanna Stewart – A'ja Wilson
UNITED STATES STAFF
A'ja Wilson: 18.2 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 26 minutes (5 games)
Breanna Stewart: 18.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 24 minutes (5 games)
Napheesa Collier: 6.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 23 minutes (5 games)
Alyssa Thomas: 4.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 19 minutes (5 games)
Jackie Young: 11.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 17 minutes (5 games)
Brittney Griner: 8.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 16 minutes (5 games)
Chelsea Gray: 1.6 points, 1.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 15 minutes (5 games)
Sabrina Ionescu: 6.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 14 minutes (5 games)
Kelsey Plum: 5.4 points and 3.0 assists in 14 minutes (5 games)
Jewell Loyd: 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 11 minutes (5 games)
Diana Taurasi: 1.0 points, 0.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 11 minutes (5 games)
Kahleah Copper: 7.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 13 minutes (4 games)
BROADCASTING
The France – United States match will be broadcast on France Televisions And Eurosportfrom 3:30 p.m.
