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Dominating the Dominican Republic from end to end in Shenzhen in their third game (90-56), France finished their first round with a clear fault. With 100% victories, the Blues attack their second round against Lithuania on Saturday, September 7th.
After a walk against the Dominican Republic (90 to 56 / Thursday, September 5), France will have to move up a gear. The French basketball players who finished undefeated the first round of the World Cup will head to Nankin to face Lithuania on Saturday, September 7.
The meeting will open the second phase of pools, but it will actually be a round of 16 for the Blues, because a victory would ensure a place in the top 8. In the process, the Blues are already qualified for the TQO for the Tokyo Olympics.
"We managed well the first week of plain"
" We feel we are in place, we are gaining power. Serious things happen and I have confidence in ourselves, "said Andrew Albicy, leader of the France team, at the end of the last meeting of the tricolor. As in 2014 in Spain, the French want to see the quarterfinals.
" This first round is auspicious, but it's a bit like the Tour de France: we managed well the first week of plain, but the mountain arrives. We will have to raise our level again by Saturday (6 September) for a match that will already be an eighth final (against Lithuania), "now advances the coach Vincent Collet.
On the other hand, for Lithuania, it will be a question of survival after its defeat against Australia (87-82) in a meeting of very high level which gave an idea of the difficulties which await the French. If they win against Lithuania, they will play against the "Boomers" next Monday to "choose" their opponent in quarters, that is probably to avoid the United States. If they lose, the match against Australia will be the last chance.
Lithuania, monument of European basketball
Lithuania remains a basketball monument in Europe. It has always been one of the best nations in the world. Three-time European Champion (1937, 1939, 2003), Lithuania finished respectively third (2010) and fourth (2014) of the last two World Cups.
" It's been years since I checked this World Cup and the next Olympics. I am convinced that the potential of our group is limitless. It's the best team I've ever played in the French team, with a great mix of seniority, experience and novelty, "said Rudy Gobert after the victory over Germany.