Australia VS France Preview: Johannes Leads Star-Studded Clash as Hosts Aim for Consecutive Wins

At 3 AM on August 5, the last match of the women’s basketball group stage at the Paris Olympics will take place, with the French women’s team facing off against the Australian women’s team. Both teams are strong contenders for medals in this Olympic tournament, boasting multiple WNBA players, making their lineups both luxurious and star-studded. The host nation, France, is led by WNBA players Johannes and Gabby Williams, currently ranked 7th in the world but second in the latest power rankings, only behind the United States, making them widely favored due to home advantage. Australia has seven WNBA players, ranking third in the world and fourth in the latest power rankings. In their first game, France triumphed over Canada 75-54; they repeated the same score in a victory over Nigeria, securing two wins with a net point difference of 42 and advancing to the next round. However, they have not yet secured the top spot in the group, and a loss to Australia could cost them that position. Therefore, they will certainly aim to win to ensure the top spot and secure a favorable draw in the knockout stages. In both games, France’s offense was well distributed, with multiple players contributing points. In the first game against Canada, Badiane and Gabby Williams both scored, and all eleven players who took the court scored. Against Nigeria, Johannes and Gabby Williams both scored in double digits, with eleven out of twelve players scoring, showcasing a very diverse set of scorers that is difficult for opponents to contain, while also ensuring minimal fatigue for key players. Australia suffered an upset in their first game, losing by 13 points to African side Nigeria, gifting their opponents their first-ever Olympic victory. Fortunately, in their second game, they narrowly defeated Canada 70-65. For Australia, there is a possibility of rising to the top of the group or the risk of dropping to fourth place. Even if they cannot win this game, they must try to lose by as few points as possible. Currently, Australia has a net point difference of -8, the same as Nigeria but 18 points higher than Canada. Australia’s offensive performance in their first two games was average, averaging just 66 points. Veteran Whitcomb is the only player to have scored in double digits in both games, showing good form. In the second game against Canada, five players scored in double digits, indicating some improvement in their offensive output. France has conceded an average of just 54 points in their first two games, demonstrating strong defense. In recent major tournaments, the two teams have met seven times, with France holding a slight edge with four wins to three. They have won the last three meetings, giving them a psychological advantage, especially playing at home. Although Australia has a more luxurious roster on paper and is fighting for a spot in the next round, this match still holds significant suspense.