Preview: GB v France
Details
GB v France
FIBA Women’s EuroBasket
Saturday 6th July, 17:00 tip
Belgrade Arena
Intro
GB face France in the semi-final of the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket after another historic win, this time against Hungary in the quarter-finals.
The game is the first of the two semi-finals, with reigning champions Spain facing hosts Serbia later on Saturday night.
The opposition: FRance
The French team booked their place directly in the quarter-finals in Belgrade after finishing top of Group B in Riga. They defeated Czech Republic (74-61), Montenegro (88-53) and Sweden (71-65) in the opening three games.
They faced a tougher test in last night’s quarter-final, with a late three-pointer taking them to overtime against Belgium, where they eventually came out on top 84-80.
Sandrine Gruda currently leads the way for the French in terms of both points per game (16) and rebounds (6.8). Elsewhere Olivia Epoupa has averaged 6 assists per game in their four EuroBasket fixtures so far.
TEAM’S THOUGHTS
Head Coach Chema Buceta is aware of France’s ability and knows they’ll be pushing for a place in the final:
“I expect a very tough game, of course. France are one of the best teams in Europe and for them this will be a very important game to reach the final and become champions, which is the goal they have.
For GB, Chema recognises the success of the team so far, as well as the importance of the game:
“For us, it’s also an important game as it’s the first time we play in a semi-final. We’ve done a great job but now we need to focus on the France game and we will do our best to win the game. We know it will be difficult but we want to be there at the level that is possible to win.”
How to watch
The game will be streamed live online in the UK via BBC Sport. It’s available on the website, via the app or through iplayer. Further details can be found here.
Supporters can also stay up to date during the game through updates and images on GB’s social channels.