- I guessed Australia, can I change my mind?
No, I stand by my advice, I won't change my mind, laughs SVT Sports expert Nick Rajacic.
Marianna Tolo showed will after fighting in the ball to shrink the deficit to 42-45 on the third try, hard courted.
That fired up the home crowd in Sydney and she also made the ensuing bonus throw for 43-45.
But it didn't help as France continued to hold the baton.
Australia didn't even come close to creating a nerve in the Sydney Superdome.
The French team had Gabby Williams as a sharp finisher.
No "pistols" from Australia
With two minutes remaining, Australia took a desperate timeout with eight points up where "hammers" and "pistols" were called for.
Instead, Gabby Wiliams made the game's longest three for 66-57 and decided the game.
She was noted for a total of 23 points.
- It was worse than expected but not a fiasco start.
It is up to Australia to figure out how to face this type of defence, sums up Rajacic.
Before the WC, he had looked into the crystal ball.
- Most people agree that the USA is the favorite with three straight World Cup golds, but I stick my chin out and say that they won't win the gold this year.
I see Australia winning at home and it being a fairy-tale story that ends with a gold, said Rajacic.