No reason to panic says Miyem as France prepare to face Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Three games into the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament and France have become known as a resilient team with a great ability to overcome adversity. But an 89-71 loss to Australia raised more questions than answers.  

Isabel Yacoubou got in foul trouble, picking up her third foul early in the second quarter after which the French were not the same in the paint. Les Bleues weren't helped either in the fact that Australia's Penny Taylor was in inspired form, going for 31 points, her best scoring output at an Olympics. 

Valerie Garnier's team is now 2-1 ahead of Thursday's match-up against Brazil and Endy Miyem - who made the buzzer-beating winning lay-up against Belarus - told FIBA.com that they will be just fine and there is no reason for panic. 

FIBA.com: After opening with two straight wins, how much damage did the loss to Australia cause you?
Miyem: It's not a loss against Australia that will change our game plan. I admit it was a tough loss but the fact that Isabelle [Yacoubou] got in foul trouble wasn't a major factor to us. Anyone on our team can step up and do the job.

FIBA.com: What, if anything, do you have to improve on for the coming games?
Miyem: We have to be focused and stick with our game plan and follow the coaching staff’s instructions. There is no reason for panic. 

FIBA.com: You mentioned it was a tough loss. What do you make of this Australian team?
Miyem: I don't want to say they are too strong but you have to play tough defense and, more importantly, avoid making mistakes defensively. Every time you make a mistake against them, you will pay a heavy price.

FIBA.com: Brazil have lost all three of their games but technically still have an outside chance of qualifying for the next round if they win their last two Group A games against France and Turkey. How do you view your game against them and then your last one against Japan?
Miyem: It’s going to be challenging to play against Brazil because of the home crowd. But in order to qualify for the Quarter-Finals, we are going need to beat them no matter what. Japan, they play quick basketball and they can shoot from outside. We will have to be concentrated.

FIBA.com: Four years ago, you were part of the team that beat Australia at the London Olympics. 
Miyem: Yes but the circumstances are now different and I no longer think about the London Games. It's a new place, new competition and even the Australian team is new.

FIBA.com: Penny Taylor was the game-changer with her game-high 32 points. How do you stop a player like her?
Miyem: She showed us that she is a very good player and must be praised for her talent. You can try but, it is tough to stop her. Even if you try different defense plans, contest her shots, she will come up with something else.

FIBA