BERLIN, Sept. 13 — France defeated Germany 86-64 in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup semifinal Saturday to advance to the final for the first time in the program’s history.
Historic Breakthrough for Les Bleues The victory, secured at the tournament hosted in Berlin’s Uber Arena before an announced attendance of 12,650, sends France to its inaugural World Cup final and guarantees the country its first medal since winning bronze at the inaugural tournament in 1953. France had never previously advanced beyond the quarterfinals except in that 1953 run.
Gabby Williams led France with a game-high 22 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and four steals while shooting 8-of-12 from the field without committing a turnover. Janelle Salaün contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Marine Johannès added 13 points.
Germany’s Turnover Woes Germany’s Nyara Sabally and Marie Gülich each scored 12 points to lead the hosts, with Leonie Fiebich adding nine. However, Germany committed 25 turnovers — the most ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup semifinal — which France converted into 29 points, including 11 directly from steals. France’s defense held Germany to 44 percent shooting from the field while committing just seven turnovers of their own.
USA Advances in Gritty Semifinal The win sets up a highly anticipated final against the United States, which defeated Spain 76-66 in the other semifinal in Berlin. Breanna Stewart led the Americans with 16 points and Jackie Young added 12. Iyana Martin and Marta Conde each scored 17 for Spain, with Martin continuing her historic run as the tournament’s most dynamic under-21 floor general.
Germany will face Spain in Sunday’s third-place game in Berlin, while France and the U.S. will meet for the gold medal in a rematch of the thrilling 2024 Paris Olympic final.
— VGMG Sports & Culture Desk