PARIS (France) - Belgium are still pinching themselves in disbelief that they are even taking part and getting ready to go up against Spain in the Quarter-Finals of the Women’s Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.
Sat 0-2 in Group C, they didn't just need a win to advance, they needed to beat Japan by at least 27 points to be sure. Cue a classic Olympic basketball story, led by the phenomenal baller that is Emma Meesseman.
No doubt wanting to make the most of the second chance they have earned for themselves, Belgium could find it tough against the flawless Spain who have shown their ability to win close games.
And, that's where this one could be heading in what is a repeat of last year's FIBA Women's EuroBasket title game. Spain are not only looking to make up for this, they are also looking to avoid a fourth loss in five Olympic Quarter-Finals.
Key matchup
Megan Gustafson vs Emma Meesseman
Both on fire and very much MVP contenders at this stage, can they both continue their jaw-dropping exploits and performances? Or will one hit the wall? Or, will they cancel each other out?
Gustafson has been the powerhouse in the paint that Spain craved, especially having lost Raquel Carerra before the tournament. She is averaging an amazing tournament double-double of 17.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
Meesseman has been her usual brilliant self and is logging a truly spectacular 29.7 performance efficiency valuation after sinking 26.3 points per game. She's clutch too and will surely be Belgium's game-winner (again) if they complete the mission.
X-factors
Who's stepping up from the supporting casts?
Both teams have standout marquee ballers that are the centerpiece of their respective campaigns in Meesseman and Gustafson. Belgium have had nice shows from Antonia Delaere and Kyra Linskens and that needs to continue, with Elise Ramette excellent against Japan. If the likes of Julie Vanloo can now turn on the style and increase her influence, it could be vital.
Similarly, Spain had Leo Rodriguez in the first game when she saved the day and helped them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against China. It has shaped their campaign and in the last game, Maria Conde came off the injury list and had a huge impact. Who's next?
Both teams need those supporting contributions and maybe whoever finds three nice scoring contributions will end up progressing.
Stats don't lie
The upside for Spain is they have far superior scoring options off the bench, with 24.7 points coming from that source which is more than double the 12 that the Cats have relied on. It means there is a lot more pressure on Belgium's starting five to get the job done.
However, Spain are currently the team that is struggling most from downtown. They are shooting only 23.2 percent so far and will feel they need to sharpen up in this important area.
Past matchups
When these teams last met in the Final of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023, it saw the Cats crowned champions for the very first time after they took a famous 64-58 victory.
The other huge game both were involved in relatively recently was the Third Place game at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Tenerife. Host nation Spain came out on top and took a 67-60 success to capture bronze.
FIBA