The United States, which now has 11 world titles (in 19 editions), has not lost a match in the competition since the 2006 semi-final against Russia (75-68 defeat), then lining up 30 wins in a row.

It is also their last setback in a major international competition (Olympic Games and World Cup), where their winning streak extends to 60 games.

Victorious of the last seven Olympic titles, the Americans are only one world title away from the record of the USSR, which won five in a row between 1959 and 1975.

Although younger (only one player aged 30 and over) and renewed compared to the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, with a new coach (Cheryl Reeve) at her head and without the legends Sue Bird (retired) and Diana Taurasi (injured ), "Team USA" flew over the competition.

He finished the competition with the best attack (92.5 pts per match on average), the best defense (55 pts) and having won his eight matches by an average difference of 40 points.

China, which won its first international medal since silver, already at the 1994 World Cup, is the team that resisted it the best.

Beaten by 14 points in pools, the Chinese of the pivot Li Yueru (19 pts) held on Saturday during the first period, finished with all the same 10 points behind thanks to a three-pointer at the half-time buzzer of the winger Jin Weina.

Despite the unconditional support of the overwhelming majority of some 15,000 spectators at the Superdome in Sydney, where a large Chinese community lives, they were then gradually distanced by the class of A'ja Wilson (19 pts).

The interior, probably the best player in the world, MVP of the competition after having been that of the WNBA season, was well supported by her captain Breanna Stewart (9 pts, 6 rebounds and 6 assists).

For example, it was she who shot an arrow behind the arc in the second quarter to allow her team to catch some air (33-26) while the Chinese had returned to four lengths.

And if Alyssa Thomas was well muzzled, the Americans were able to count on the contribution of the rear Chelsea Gray (10 pts, 8 assists) and the substitute leader Kelsey Plum (17 pts).

Their reign does not seem ready to stop.

© 2022 AFP