Tokyo (AFP)

Picked cold from the start of the competition by the Japanese, the French basketball players meet again on Friday these astonishing and formidable opponents in the semi-finals of the Tokyo Games, ensuring they know what to do to beat them, driven by a unique possibility of getting on the Olympus.

After the revenge taken in quarters against the "best enemies" Spanish (67-64) who have abused them so much in the past, it is another more contextual than historical revenge that awaits the Blue, from 8:00 p.m. local (1:00 p.m. French) on the floor of the Saitama Super Arena.

French Marine Johannes, against Spain, in the quarter-final, August 4, 2021 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Aris MESSINIS AFP

However, if their ambition for a medal was finally able to remain intact, despite their start weighed down by the inaugural defeat (74-70) against the host country and a qualification for the matches obtained through a mouse hole, the Blue did not never imagined seeing the Japanese again on their way to a potential second final, nine years after the London Games.

And yet.

The surprise effect quickly gave way to confirmation that Japan, whose CV in international competitions boils down to a 1975 World Cup final against the USSR and which had never yet reached the last four of the Olympic Games in four participations, was certainly not to be underestimated.

After all, only the Americans beat the Japanese in the tournament, far from crushing them despite what the score can induce (86-69).

Just to recall the level of these semi-finals, coach Valérie Garnier did not fail to recall that France, Japan and the USA - which will face Serbia - were from the same group ...

- Watch out for 3 pts -

The carefree Japanese, faithful to their unorthodox game so difficult to apprehend by non-Asian nations who hardly ever face them, were then heroic to defeat Belgium in the quarterfinals (86-85), after a match in twists and turns.

The joy of the Japanese Maki Takada (c) and Yuki Miyazawa, after their victory (86-85) against Belgium, in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, August 4, 2021 Aris MESSINIS AFP

"We were in big trouble with their game made of drives, passes, extra-passes, and an exceptional quality of skill at three points. They still scored 14 against the Belgians (including seven by Yuki Miyazawa). It's a team that plays fast, really very well. It deserves its place, "said Garnier.

"We also know the mistakes we made (in the first match). We will have to adapt so as not to repeat it. It will be difficult, but it will be up to us to work to find solutions for the players and for them to play, ”she added, without obviously going into the areas of work to be provided in less than 48 hours.

The coach of the French women's basketball team, Valérie Garnier, during the first round match against Japan, July 27, 2021 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Aris MESSINIS AFP / Archives

"We had not played our game the first time. It was too easy for them. We found each other. We are over-motivated, we know what to do. We want our revenge," assured the leader. Gabby Williams.

The French Gabrielle Williams, against the Japanese Maki Takada, in their first round match, July 27, 2021 at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Aris MESSINIS AFP

The energy, the defensive intensity, the determination displayed against Spain, resulting precisely from "a real questioning after the poor performance against the Japanese", will indeed be virtues to be retained in the semifinals.

"We will have to go back to the fight," said leader Alix Duchet.

© 2021 AFP