Without Emma Meesseman, injured in the calf earlier in the tournament, the Belgian Cats, fourth in the last 2018 World Cup, lost 69-86 (half-time: 37-52) against the Opals, favorites and who dominated the debates, especially inside (48 rebounds to 23). Julie Allemand finished with 15 points and 7 assists, for 13 to Kyara Linskens (5 rebounds) and Hind Ben Abdelkader, and 12 to Julie Vanloo.
After leading 8-4, the Belgians conceded a 13-0 forcing Valery Demory to a time-out (8-17, 6th) seeing his players dominated in the interior sector. Julie German stopped the bleeding, this did not prevent the Australians from moving to +10 (16-26, 10th). With in particular, Lauren Jackson, for her 5th World Cup, Australia widened the gap for the rest (37-52) despite Vanloo’s shots and Linskens’ efforts.
The French coach was already rotating his entire workforce at the start to give experience to his players for future events. It became too easy for Australia, which accentuated the gap to end up coasting despite the German’s tenacity.
Australia, finalist four years ago against the United States in Tenerife, will play in the semi-finals on Friday (11.30 a.m. Belgian) against China – who eliminated France (85-71) and who joined the last four for the third time in its history, the first since 1994. The other semi-final (9:00 a.m.) will oppose the United States to Canada. The Americans are aiming for a 4th straight World Cup gold medal and the 11th in their history. Canada is in the last four for the first time since 1986.