SAITAMA, Japan (AFP) — France coach Vincent Collet says his team will bring “fire and energy” to the men's Olympic basketball final today as they target a second straight upset of three-time defending champion United States.
Spearheaded by NBA stars Rudy Gobert and Evan Fournier, the French stunned Gregg Popovich's USA in the opening round of group play at Saitama Super Arena, 8376.
It was the Americans' first defeat at an Olympics since the 2004 Athens Games and while Collet admits the US have upped their game since, he remains confident.
“I think and I hope we will be ready Saturday,” he said, after his seventh-ranked team scraped past a valiant Slovenia 90-89 in a breathless semifinal, where captain Nicolas Batum made a game-saving block at the buzzer.
“I know Team USA is favored, but I hope we will play against them with the same fire and the same energy.
“We know what they are capable of. We will play this final with a lot of confidence.”
This story is from the August 7, 2021 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 7, 2021 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Taking care of older persons is the collective concern of the citizenry
The International Day of Older Persons is observed on Oct. 1 each year.
Promoting safe driving in the new normal
Ford Driving Skills for Life
ON MANNY PACQUIAO - You're the greatest – Roach
From one legend to another.
NAT'L BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION - PAY CUTS FOR NO VAX PLAYERS
NBA poises crackdown on those who refuse to get vaccinated
Duterte renews commitment to infra dev't
With only months left in his term, President Duterte reassured the public that his administration remains committed to its promise of infrastructure development aimed at making the Philippines a progressive nation.
Sustain Our Teachers' Enthusiasm; Enable Young Learners To Hurdle The Learning Crisis
For 10 years now, the period from Sept. 5 to Oct. 5 of every year has been observed as National Teachers Month (NTM), by virtue of President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Proclamation No. 242. The observance culminates on Oct. 5 that, by virtue of Republic Act 10743, is observed as World Teachers Day (WTD) and National Teachers Day (NTD) pursuant to a UNESCO mandate.
Love knows no borders
Pangasinense couple weds at checkpoint
The Next Election Is No Waste Of Time
An appeal to the young who can influence the outcome of the upcoming elections
US Olympian Biles Says She Should've Quit Earlier
Gymnastics
Drones And Jets: China Shows Off New Air Power
ZHUHAI, China (AFP) — China on Tuesday showed off its increasingly sophisticated airpower including surveillance drones and jets able to jam hostile electronic equipment, with an eye on disputed territories from Taiwan to the South China Sea and rivalry with the United States.
