France have made history by reaching their first Women’s Basketball World Cup final.
They secured their place in Sunday’s showpiece with an 86-64 victory over hosts Germany in Berlin.
Gabby Williams led the French attack with 22 points.
She also contributed five assists and four steals in a complete all-round display.
Germany Keep It Close
France looked sharp from the start.
However, Germany refused to be overawed by the occasion.
The hosts stayed within two points at the end of the first quarter.
Germany had also entered the semi-final with confidence after defeating European champions Belgium in the quarter-finals.
It was the country’s first World Cup semi-final appearance as a unified nation.
French Surge After Half-Time
France gradually took control of the contest.
Their biggest breakthrough came immediately after half-time.
The French scored nine unanswered points and opened up a significant lead.
Germany tried to fight back in the final quarter.
Peterson and Bessoir both connected from three-point range.
Their efforts reduced the gap to eight points and briefly gave the home crowd hope.
France responded in emphatic fashion.
The French side produced another 12-point unanswered run to put the game beyond Germany’s reach.
A Historic Final Awaits
France eventually won 86-64.
The result extended their perfect record at the tournament and sent them into a maiden World Cup final.
Their opponent will be decided later when the United States face Spain.
The US enter the contest as the favourites.
They have won 11 World Cup titles and are unbeaten in the competition since their semi-final loss to Russia in 2006.
France would welcome another meeting with the Americans.
The two teams met in the 2024 Olympic final in Paris, where the US secured a narrow one-point victory.
France now have another chance to claim a major international title.
The final will take place in Berlin on Sunday.
