LEON (Mexico) - It's going to take something seriously special from France in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 if they want to reach the title game and battle for the prestigious silverware.
The unbeaten and record-breaking USA stand in their way and have shown few signs of slowing down. Like a runaway train that's locked hard onto top speed, can France derail them? Or will the reigning champions take one more step towards an inevitable title?
Key Matchup
Jerzy Robinson looks like she has decided to turn the volume up to maximum and make a serious noise down the tournament stretch. Her Quarter-Finals show against Japan was superb. Always a threat and so smooth, can any French player knock her out of her stride.
It will be interesting to see who is tasked with this assignment, with France having the likes of Manon Simplot and Talia Kavoka. But Robinson's size, strength and ability to shoot the lights out over small guards is a concern for France. They might even put a wing or forward on her.
X-Factor
It has to be all about the tempo. Sure, France can mix it up, but they will have to play an intense and slow half-court game or their chances of success could evaporate very quickly. Trying to copy this USA team with a 'run and gun' style in the Semi-Final would surely be a recipe for disaster for France.
Stats Don't Lie
Take your pick. USA have been rampant and lead in so many statistical categories. But it is their destructive and seemingly limitless offensive power that is so worrying for France. They have averaged over 100 points per game and 30 more than their opponents.
Past matchups
These teams have played each other in some big games down the years including two Finals. At the inaugural edition in 2010 which was played in France, the host nation were beaten 92-62 by a USA team boasting the likes of Breanna Stewart.
Then in 2018 in Minsk, USA won it all again, dominating 92-40 in a team containing Paige Bueckers, with soon-to-be Paris 2024 participants Iliana Rupert, Janelle Salaun and Marine Fauthoux all in the France lineup.
FIBA