France vs Germany – Preview for 2024 Olympics Basketball Semifinals

2024-08-08 ScoreWaves Staff

France vs Germany has been one of the fiercest rivalries in the world. However, for the better part of the 21st century, it was their football teams that stole the spotlight. But not anymore.

Tonight, the French men’s national basketball teams face their bitter rivals Germany in a highly intriguing semifinal clash at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Les Bleus defeated a stacked Canadian roster, which many fans predicted to advance to the semis, in a topsy-turvy quarterfinal matchup. Meanwhile, Germany made light work of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece in their quarterfinal clash. The two European nations now have a chance of facing either the USA or Serbia in the gold medal match on Sunday.

Germany – A threat to France’s medal ambitions

Germany is a nation that has regularly produced world class basketball talents like Dirk Nowitzki, Detlef Schrempf and Dennis Schroder. However, they never managed to challenge the very elite sides of world basketball. In fact, the Germans finished 8th in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Before that, they failed to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2012 London Olympics. However, Germany’s fortunes took a turn for the better once they hired Canadian head coach, Gordon Herbert.

Under Herbert, Germany have enjoyed their most successful period till date. The Canadian coach is firmly of the belief that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Herbert has this team running like a well-oiled machine. Their team-oriented, movement heavy style of play has given teams plenty of problems. This German team also clinched the 2023 FIBA World Cup, making them the reigning champions. They would like to add an Olympics medal to that growing collection. And so far, Germany looks the real deal.

Germany have won all four games of their Olympics campaign. They topped their group, with a points difference of +47. Furthermore, they have already defeated France in the group stage by a scoreline of 85-71. In the quarters, the Germans breezed past Greece, scoring 76 points in the process and conceding just 63 points. If Germany keeps up this impressive form, then the semifinal could be a formality for Germany.

France buoyed by home support

It’s safe to suggest that France possesses a stacked frontcourt. 7-footers Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama make France a very physically imposing side. However, the team does have weaknesses. Namely their subpar backcourt options. Many fans fear that if Gobert and Wembanyama have an off night, then France might struggle. But those apprehensions were blown out of the window for fans who saw Les Bleus’ quarterfinal tie against Canada.

Canada held Wembanyama to just seven points, with 2-of-10 shooting splits from the field. Meanwhile, Gobert only played for three minutes. Despite this, France still won the game. Backcourt duo Guershon Yabusele and Isiah Corinier stepped up, as the duo combined for 44 of France’s 82 points.

This completely dispelled the notion that Les Bleus are dependent on Wemby and Gobert. In their semifinal clash with Germany, both Yabusele and Corinier will be expected to play a key role. France have never won an Olympics gold medal in men’s basketball. And after coming agonizingly close in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, this might be the best opportunity for Les Bleus to finally end their gold medal wait.