Australia won the thriller against France
Australia won the thriller against France
In a thrilling and very intense match, Australia managed to beat France after a high scoring and tempo match, 100-98. Both teams give everything they had in order to avoid a Quarter-finals matchup against the USA. This was the biggest reward for the winner of this match.
This match was very competitive and close, with 15 lead changes and 17 ties on the scoreboard. Also at half-time, the score was even, 46-46. In this game was all about high scoring players. For Australia, the main performer was Patty Mills with 30 points and 3 assists. Along with him, Joe Ingles (23 points) and Aaron Baynes (21 points and 5 rebounds) played big roles in the win. For France, the main scorer was Evan Fournier with 31 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Other two French players scored in double digits, Nando De Colo (26 points) and Nicolas Batum (13 points).
The main difference was made by the 3 points shooting. Both teams shots above 40%, but Australia had 13 shots to France`s 7 beyond the arc. Australia also led in rebounds and assists, but France didn`t take advantage of Australia`s 14 turnovers.
All in all, Australia continues with the perfect record in the World Cup and next round will face a weaker opponent, Czech Republic. I don’t expect to have too many problems against another European opponent because Boomers were very solid through the entire competition with very good stats and perfect team-plays. I think Aaron Baynes is the biggest win for Australia, because he stretches the floor very well with his 3-points shooting but also Patty Mills made some impressive games, leading the team with his leadership and huge experience.
For France, I was very disappointed by Rudy Gobert`s performance, finishing with only 8 points and 4 rebounds. He was moved around the entire pitch by Aaron Baynes. He`s a very good player in the paint, making huge rebounds and blocks and that’s why was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. But in this match, he was only a shadow of that player. I can’t wait to see him against the USA. Good luck to both teams.
Photo credit: http://www.fiba.basketball/basketballworldcup/2019
Bogdan Vasile Tirc
