Canada Dominates France in Opening Game of FIBA World Cup
Canada kicked off their 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign with an impressive 30-point victory over France, winning 95-65 in Jakarta, Indonesia. This victory marks France’s worst defeat at a World Cup since 1963, according to FIBA. Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of the game and what the players and coaches had to say.
Backstory: Canada’s Quest for a Podium Finish
Ranked 15th in the world, Canada is aiming for their first podium finish at a men’s FIBA World Cup. They started their journey with a dominant performance against the 5th-ranked French team. Canada will continue their group play against Lebanon, while France will face Latvia in their next match.
Highlight of the Game: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Long-Range Shot
One of the standout moments of the game was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible long-range shot. Pulling up from the logo, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his shooting skills and helped Canada extend their lead. The play quickly gained attention on social media, with fans praising Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive shot.
What They’re Saying: France’s Disappointment and Canada’s Confidence
After the game, French player Evan Fournier expressed his frustration, stating, “We got our a— kicked.” The French coach, Vincent Collet, described the performance as “an awful game,” acknowledging their poor start in the second half and their inability to recover.
On the other hand, Gilgeous-Alexander expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, “Most importantly we got a dub, we won, did what we came here to do.” He also emphasized that it was only the first game and that there is still a lot to accomplish.
Canada’s coach, Jordi Fernández, praised the team’s resilience and their ability to stick together despite a slow start. He highlighted their determination to play hard for the full 40 minutes and their ability to maintain composure even when shots weren’t falling. Fernández believes that the team’s pressure and physicality in the second half were key factors in their victory.
Looking Ahead: Canada’s Ambitions and Expectations
With a strong start to their World Cup campaign, Canada has set high expectations for themselves. While they celebrate their opening win, they remain focused on the challenges ahead and the need to continue performing at a high level. The team is determined to achieve their goal of a podium finish and will be working hard to make it a reality.
Required Reading: A Glimpse of the Action
To get a closer look at the action, check out Fermin Rodriguez’s captivating photo of the game. The image captures the intensity and passion of the players as they compete on the world stage.
In conclusion, Canada’s dominant victory over France in their opening game of the FIBA World Cup has set a strong foundation for their campaign. With their sights set on a podium finish, Canada demonstrated their resilience, teamwork, and skill. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Canada as they aim to make history in men’s basketball.