Belgium, European champion, stands in the way of the Blues towards the Olympic final. Beaten last year by the “Belgian Cats” at the EURO, the French want to take their revenge.
The pain has disappeared but the defeat is still fresh in the memories of several French women, even though it dates back more than a year. On June 23, 2023 in Ljubljana in the semi-final of the EURO, the Belgian selection beat France (67-63). In a tight match, the Tricolores did not manage to escape the clutches of the “Belgian Cats” coached by Rachid Méziane, former assistant to Valérie Garnier with the Bleues. So the French women are unanimous, what could be better than meeting them in the semi-final of the most beautiful of competitions to take revenge. The task will be complex, but this extra desire will not be too much for Marine Johannès’ partners.
Emma Messeman on everyone’s lips
With the quarter-final victory against Germany in the bag, several French players quickly looked ahead to this duel between neighbours.I’m glad to find them again, Bernies admitted, with a wry smile. We all remember last year, even if not everyone was there. They are our best enemies.“His partner Gaby Williams, who was not in Ljubljana, agrees.”There is a feeling of revenge, a lot at stake and a deep desire: to prove which is the best team on the continent. We know that Emma Messeman will have to be stopped. She is the MVP of this tournament “. Williams targeted the real danger of the Belgians, a creative, efficient and decisive player in the fateful moments.
Against Spain, Belgium relied on Messeman (19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) to calmly clear the way to the semi-finals. She was also the one who allowed her team to turn things around in the first round after an initial defeat against Germany (69-83, 25 points). The Fenerbahçe point guard scored 24 points against the USA before raising the bar for the decisive match against Japan (30 points). Valeriane Ayayi and Iliana Rupert, uncompromising against the German Sabaty, will have to reproduce the same copy against the brilliant Belgian player in front of whom they had a hell of a time a year ago in Slovenia.
Toupane’s Great Challenge
Jean-Aimé Toupane, the discreet coach who has been so criticized since taking office, has regained some credit thanks to the demonstration of the Bleues in the quarter-finals. His mental management and tactical choices are rarely highlighted and the opportunity will be great against Belgium to reverse opinion. He will face Rachid Méziane, coach of the “Belgian Cats“and expected to succeed him at the head of the Bleues. Stoic after the success in the quarter-finals”There was no fear before. I live day by day and I just want to go as far as possible. We want to stay there until the end and we are still in the race!” Toupane, despite his composure and humility, would dream just as much as his protégés of reaching an Olympic final against the USA in Paris in front of his loved ones.
What time will the meeting take place?
The match between France and Belgium will start at 9pm this Friday. It will take place at the Bercy Arena.
On which TV channel is France – Belgium broadcast? ?
The match between the Blues and the Belgians will be broadcast on Friday August 9 at 9 p.m. on France Télévisions and Eurosport.
What streaming broadcast for the France – Belgium match? ?
To follow the match in streaming, you have to go to the France TV platform (free) or you can watch on the dedicated platforms Max d’Eurosport or MyCanal
Possible teams
The five returning from France: Salaun, Ayayi, Badiane, Bernies, Williams. Replacements: Chery, Fauthoux, Johannès, Lacon, Malonga, Michel, Rupert.
The five returning from Belgium: Meesseman, Delaere, Linskens, Ramete, Vanloo. Replacements: Claessens, Joris, Lisowa-Mbaka, Becky Massey, Billie Massey, Mununga, Resimont