Australia’s Opals came into the Paris Olympics with high hopes of a medal, yet they head into their third and final group game in a must-win scenario against unbeaten hosts France.
The Opals’ shock opening loss to Nigeria was followed up by a bounce-back win over Canada, but the 13-point loss combined by a five-point win have placed the team in a poor position.
Heading into the final round of games the Opals held some hope of qualifying while losing, using the pathway for the two best third-place teams.
Yet this hope has been dashed by China smashing Puerto Rico 80-58 and Belgium belting Japan 85-58; both teams are 1-2 but with a better points differential than the 1-1 Aussies, and will be higher-ranked third-place teams no matter what.
It means Australia must beat France, who are 2-0 having won both of their games 75-54, to advance into the quarter-finals.
The Aussies were also hoping Canada could beat Nigeria, but the African nation recorded its second win of the Games.
It makes the equation a bit more difficult for the Opals, and it’s much harder for them to finish 1st in the group.
Australia must beat France by at least six points to finish 2nd in the group, and by 18 points or more to finish 1st.
If the Opals qualify they’re likely to face one of Serbia, Spain or Germany in the quarter-finals.
The match vs France gets underway at 5am AEST on Monday August 5.
Source Agencies
