Elated Opals knock France out of basketball draw

by Admin
August 4, 2024

Australian players were in raptures after clinching the last Olympics quarter-final berth in the women’s basketball.

The Opals knocked host nation France out of the running with a thrilling 79-72 victory on Monday morning.

They make it out of the group stage with a 2-1 record and a chance to get onto the podium.

They did it in front a 27,193 crowd – a number FIBA says is an attendance record for women’s basketball in Europe.

Opals skipper Tess Madgen was pumped when speaking to Nine’s Andrew Gaze after the win.

Australia’s Amy Atwell hugs Jade Melbourne after Australia defeated France. AP

“We honestly didn’t have anything in our minds besides winning the game,” Madgen said after avoiding elimination.

“You know, we got ourselves in a bit of trouble against Nigeria, they are having a great tournament, all credit to them, but I am just so proud of the girls. One point, six points, I am just so happy with the win.

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“I am the captain of this team, it is a huge responsibility and one I take with great pride so absolutely going to leave everything out there on the floor tonight.

“We know on any given day we can beat anybody in this tournament. We are not scared of anyone. We showed that tonight.

“This stadium was bloody pumping – 27,000 people – full credit to the people of France.

“I really love these Games so I am looking forward to getting to Paris.”

The Aussies will play the first quarter final Wednesday against Serbia after the draw was confirmed.

Spain will play Belgium, followed by France and Germany and then the US and Nigeria.

Five countries came into the final day having clinched berths, led by the US. The others were Spain, Serbia, France and Germany. Belgium, Nigeria and Australia clinched late spots.