4 teams, 3 steps, 1 world title - who will finish on the podium?

MINSK (FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2018) - Each of the four countries in the running to become champions at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 have experienced being on the podium before and will be targeting nothing less than taking home silverware from Minsk.

Entering Saturday's Semi-Finals, Australia, France, Hungary and USA are all undefeated and one team will still have a perfect record come Sunday once they are crowned world champions.

Here's a look at each team's chances of making it onto the podium.

AUSTRALIA

Why they could make it onto the podium: Australia have become very familiar with winning games at the U17 Women’s World Cup as  their current streak of 14 straight victories - dating back to the 5-8 Classification Round in 2014 - indicates. Their defense has been on top throughout this tournament with Shannon Seebohm's charges yet to concede 50 points in any of their five games so far and the backcourt tandem of Shyla Heal and Lily Scanlon having impressed at both ends of the court.
Why they might miss out: Australia looked to be well on top in their Quarter-Final against Italy as they built a 14-point lead early in the second quarter. However, the lapses in concentration that followed are something that could see them come unstuck against stronger opposition. Their interior defense has stood firm so far, despite being susceptible to early foul trouble, but they will face major tests with players such as France's Iliana Rupert to prove a handful in the paint.
Best result at FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup: Champions (2016)

FRANCE

Why they could make it onto the podium: France won the FIBA U16 Women's European Championship last year on home soil and have looked a strong unit in Minsk, particularly given that MVP contender Iliana Rupert - who missed the Round of 16 - has only averaged 16.7 minutes per game. They know how to come through big games and have survived challenging spells against Japan and Mali so far in the competition, winning every game by at least 20 points since their opener.
Why they might miss out: France rank seventh in the tournament in field goal shooting percentage (36.3 percent) - the only of the four shooting under 40 percent and, despite being second in rebounding, they may not get as many second chance opportunities in ensuing games. They have not had to rely on Rupert thus far, but the French will need their star to shine against top opposition if they are to match their feat of reaching the title game, as they did at the inaugural event which they hosted eight years ago.
Tournament best: Runners-up (2010)

HUNGARY

Why they could make it onto the podium: Belief. Hungary have to believe they can beat the remaining teams and they will take plenty of confidence from having registered five straight wins, especially in overcoming Spain and Japan. Last year's U16 Women's European runners-up lead all teams in Minsk in three-point shooting (32.5 percent) and that is something which can really spark their offense and provide momentum.
Why they might miss out: They face a huge task in trying to topple the three-time U17 Women's World Cup winners USA  and will be considered the outsiders of the four teams battling for podium places. Opposing teams' defenses will lock in on star players Reka Dombai and Aliz Varga so Hungary will have to find other sources of production as they did in their Quarter-Final win over Japan, through Barbara Angyal's 18 points.
Tournament best: 3rd place (2014)

USA

Why they could make it onto the podium: USA have rarely been  troubled in the tournament so far with their strength in depth providing plenty of options for head coach Carla Berube as over half of the roster averages at least 8 points per game. They lead most team statistical categories and look particularly strong when they are moving the ball, accounting for an impressive 25.6 assists per outing through five games.
Why they might miss out: 2016 proved that no team is unbeatable and while they will be expected to overcome Hungary in their Semi-Final, France and Australia have the talent to pose a serious threat in Sunday's Final. Over-exuberance has crept in at times and despite holding Spain to an eye-watering 31 points in Friday's Quarter-Final win, their own point total of 66 was the lowest of their campaign. This comes at a time when they will go up against stronger defenses standing in between them and a fourth title.
Tournament best: Champions (2010, 2012 & 2014)

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