After having been miraculous again against Italy in the quarter-finals of Eurobasket 2022, France finds Poland for a place in the final. A surprising opponent who overcame the defending champion.
A trap meeting for the Blues?
While the Blues were waiting for Luka Doncic’s Slovenia in the semi-finals, nothing will happen. Indeed, the reigning champions were beaten by very surprising Poles, more enterprising and regular. It must also be said that when Luka Magic shows up in this physical and psychological state, the task becomes easier. Nevertheless, for our miraculous tricolors a new face against Italy, this semi-final has everything of a trap match. After two complicated matches in the elimination phase, the French should not start to underestimate this very serious Polish team. Admittedly, the match-up is simpler than if the Slovenians were present, but a Eurobasket semi-final is never won in advance. It is the role above all of Vincent Collet, but also of Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier to keep the locker room under maximum concentration.
The Blues have the weapons to beat the Poles, especially inside with Rudy Gobert who is giving us an exceptional Euro for the moment. This will be the time for Evan Fournier to return to his real level, at least in scoring. Then, if Thomas Heurtel can give us the same match as against the Italians, that would be the icing on the cake.
Poles released from pressure
If the Polish team had been told that they would reach the Eurobasket semi-final before the tournament, they would have signed immediately. Now the pressure is gone and the goal can only be exploded again and again. When a team no longer has this stress on its shoulders, it becomes extremely dangerous. Above all, that opposite, France aims to go to the end, even if the way is not the most convincing possible. Winger Mateusz Ponitka had an absolutely extraordinary Euro finals with an average of 24 points, 12.5 rebounds and 8 assists. This will be the biggest threat to the France team, which will surely have to overtake him in defense. Another threat, AJ Slaughter and his 20 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4 assists average over the last two games. Unstoppable on the back lines, Evan Fournier will have a job with him.
In short, although the Polaks celebrated their victory in nightclubs until 5am the day before, they will certainly be on the job to continue their heroic journey. Note that this team is the first to qualify so far in a EuroBasket without having a single NBA player since North Macedonia in 2011.
Italy’s probable 5 Major
- PG : Michal Sokolowski
- SG : AJ Slaughter
- SF: Mateusz Ponitka
- PF : Aaron Cel
- C: Aleksander Balcerowski
The probable 5 Major of France
- PG : Andrew Albicy
- SG : Evan Fournier
- SF : Terry Tarpey
- PF : Guershon Yabusele
- C : Rudy Gobert
Meet at 5:15 p.m. to follow this meeting between France and Poland. A meeting which will be exceptionally to follow on the antennas of W9 in clear.
