For the third time in its history after a loss in 2011 and another won in 2013, France is in the final of the European Basketball Championship.
The Blues largely beat Poland (95-54) this Friday in Berlin.
They will face Sunday in the Mercedes-Benz Arena of the German capital, the winner of the other semi-final between Germany and Spain which takes place this Friday evening.
THE AGAINST OF @EuroBasket BY RUDY GOBERT ⛔️
🇵🇱 🆚 🇫🇷 |
14-27, 16' |
#POLFRA #TeamFranceBasket x @rudygobert27 |
#PassionatelyBlue |
#EuroBasket pic.twitter.com/7hXSaWXnPK
– French Basketball Teams (@FRABasketball) September 16, 2022
From the first quarter, the Blues were diligent, defensive (15-9, 10th) and skilful.
With these Blues, we have learned lately not to declare victory too quickly but this semi-final is off to a really good start.
In an atmosphere more red and white – the Polish border is not far away – than blue-white-red, the Poles were completely suffocated, scoring only 18 small points during the first 20 minutes.
At the break, France still ahead and solid had a 16-point lead (32-18), almost double.
A sufficient lead?
Never with the French who have got into the habit of crossing incredible air pockets to scare themselves.
But not this time.
Evan Fournier has regained his skill, Rudy Gobert played his role as an impenetrable wall, Andrew Albicy was an intractable defender, Guerschon Yabusele a powerful and magnificent bear.
Thomas Heurtel was, as usual, indispensable.
As for Terry Tarpey, he has been the X factor he has been since the start of the Euro.
Poland has indeed found a little bite but this time France has not, has never doubted.
Everything worked (very) well.
With a lead of 28 points (64-36) 10 minutes from the end, nothing could happen to the Blues.
And nothing untoward happened: France, which ended up putting a real beating to the Poles, is in the final.