PARIS (France) - Australia will try to create a huge upset and break new ground with a shock first ever win against USA when the duo meet in the Semi-Finals of the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024.
This will be the 9th meeting in the competition between both teams and it is the most played fixture in the history of the competition.
The Opals find themselves at this stage having had to ride an incredible roller-coaster since they arrived in Lille. They suffered a shock loss to Nigeria on day one, but have won three games in a row since - including inflicting France's only defeat to date.
Meanwhile USA are currently treading a well worn Olympic path of utter dominance. They are flawless as you would expect and still on track for that 10th title. They have showcased their depth, quality and star power in every game and will be ready to finish the job in these last days.
Key matchup
Alanna Smith vs A'ja Wilson
Opals' forward Smith has been absolutely sensational in the last few games and her play is one of the main reasons for her team making this run to the last four. Her length, aggression and impactful decision-making has resulted in outstanding numbers and displays.
Incredibly, Smith was not selected for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 and she is now showing her skills on the global stage to amazing effect. But now, we will get to see just how good she can be when she lines up against Wilson.
The USA forward is one of the best ballers in the women's game and has everyone on notice that she might just end up being crowned MVP. She has put up even more stellar numbers, but will now also have to look after Smith at the defensive end. This could be an epic duel and from an Opals' perspective in particular, go a long way to seeing if they can stay competitive in the contest.
X-factor
'Stewie' - that's it.
While USA have so many fantastic players, it feels like Breanna Stewart is the one baller that really does give her team the extra dimension required to securely continue their staggering Olympic tradition.
If they need someone to set the tone, step onto court and change the momentum or deliver any kind of clutch buckets, then she is at the front of the queue. It almost feels impossible that she will not have a major hand in taking them back to the top of the podium.
Stats don't lie
It's interesting that while USA are red-hot favorites to reach the title game, the Opals do measure up favorably in a lot of categories. Australia are even shooting better from three-point range at 36.9 percent compared to 30.8 percent.
USA do hold the upper hand significantly in a couple of areas such as second chance points at 14.3 compared to 4.5, while they also have bench scoring at 41 points to 22.5 points.
Past matchups
Australia have never previously beaten USA at the senior global level and are 0-19 against their opponents. However, this matchup is certainly one that has Olympic history woven right through it.
These nations competed in the title game for three successive editions in 2000, 2004, 2008 and incredibly, currents Opals' baller Lauren Jackson played in all three!
The last big games between the duo were at Tokyo 2020 when USA won 79-55 in the Quarter-Finals. It is also a repeat of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 title game, which the USA wrapped up 73-56.
FIBA