As the excitement of the tournament builds, Germany, France, and Canada have successfully secured their spots in the knockout stage. Joining them could be Team USA, who must clinch a win against South Sudan on Wednesday to advance.
The competition's format allows the top two teams from each group to move forward, along with the two best third-place finishers. In their latest matches, Germany showcased their strength, France pulled off a dramatic victory, and Canada continued their impressive form.
Germany's Decisive Win
Germany's quarterfinal berth came at the expense of Brazil, with a commanding 86-73 win. Leading the charge was Dennis Schroder, who delivered a stellar performance with 20 points and six assists. This effort was critical in ensuring Germany's progression.
France Outlasts Japan in Overtime Thriller
France emerged victorious in a nail-biting overtime match against Japan. Victor Wembanyama stepped up during the crucial period, scoring eight of his 18 points in overtime. The dramatic moment of the game came when Matthew Strazel forced the additional time with a remarkable four-point play just 10 seconds before the end of regulation.
Reflecting on the match's intense closing moments, Nicolas Batum remarked, "We could've easily given up down four with 10 seconds. We had no solution, and we got a crazy shot from Matthew. Sometimes, God is on your side."
For Japan, Yuki Kawamura was exceptional, scoring a game-high 29 points. Rui Hachimura also made a significant contribution with 24 points on 10-for-16 shooting, but his efforts were cut short as he was ejected after logging 28 minutes on the court.
Canada Continues Their Strong Run
Canada continued to impress with a 93-83 victory over Australia. RJ Barrett led the charge for the Canadians, netting 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting in just 25 minutes. The win ensured Canada's advancement and cemented their status as a formidable contender.
Commenting on the game, Canada's head coach Luiz Gil praised Barrett, stating, "He's our best player, and he knows it. He played an amazing game, and we’re happy for him."
Australia, despite the defeat, remains in second place in Group A and looks to solidify their knockout stage ambitions in their upcoming matches.
Spain Overcomes Greece
Spain managed a hard-fought victory against Greece with a score of 84-77. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Greek charge with an impressive 27 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals, but his individual brilliance wasn't enough to secure a win for his team.
Spain’s strategy and persistence paid off, with head coach Sergio Scariolo revealing his tactical foresight, "We thought we'd keep it for the very end of the game... Actually, with Luis Gil, our defensive coordinator, we've been talking a lot about doing it at some point, but we decided to keep it for the very end, because I wanted to keep Willy on the floor, his pick-and-roll with Lorenzo [Brown] is a big weapon for us."
Looking Forward to Knockout Stage
As the tournament progresses, the intensity and drama on the court have only heightened. Teams like Germany, France, and Canada have demonstrated their prowess and resilience, securing their spots in the anticipated knockout rounds. With pivotal matches ahead, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching to see if Team USA can join the elite ranks by overcoming their next challenge.
The momentum these teams have built reflects their preparation, skill, and ability to execute under pressure. The stage is set for thrilling knockout rounds, adding another exciting chapter to the tournament’s storied history.
