Dreams come true for Petrovic and Serbia

BUDAPEST (EuroBasket Women 2015) - Sonja Petrovic is still pinching herself in disbelief after Serbia claimed a historic first-ever place in the EuroBasket Women Final where they will meet France.

Having not worn a national team vest for some six years, the EuroLeague Women champion came in from the cold and has helped guarantee a maiden podium finish for her team.

Serbia won yet another gripping Final Round game in what is proving to be one of the most dramatic ever editions of the tournament, as they edged out Belarus with a 74-72 success.

"We are not yet aware of what we have accomplished and the game was amazing and interesting for the spectators," smiled Petrovic, who was one rebound short of a double-double after scoring 14 points.

"We struggled in some areas, but it comes down to heart and that is what our team have.

"We fought until the end and that is how we accomplished our victory."

Serbia head coach Marina Maljkovic echoed the words of Petrovic and added: "We want to enjoy this great moment for our country.

"We will celebrate what we have done for women's basketball and for women's sport in Serbia."

France clinched their third Final appearance in four editions of the competition after coming out on top 63-58 against Spain, with Les Bleues gaining revenge for their loss in the 2013 title game.

Celine Dumerc sunk a go-ahead triple with just over 90 seconds left on the clock and that handed France the cushion they needed to see out a memorable victory, with Sandrine Gruda again shining with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Head coach Valerie Garnier will now go up against the other female play-caller in the competition in Maljkovic - with the pair very familiar with each other through their coaching of Tango Bourges and Lyon in the French league.

Garnier was delighted after the final buzzer and said: "It was a tough game and a hard game - it was just like a Final.

"I am proud of my players and victory for the players, staff and the Federation.

"We are happy but have to be focused and ready to play on Sunday."

Meanwhile, Russia will play Turkey on Saturday in the fight for fifth spot and the last available spot for next year's FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje young gun Maria Vadeeva excelled yet again, with the teenager plundering 16 points and 10 rebounds as Russia put on a late show to claim a 73-65 win against Montenegro.

Go to EuroBasketWomen2015.com for full coverage of EuroBasket Women 2015.

FIBA