via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Basketball – Men – Group A – France v United States – Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan – July 25, 2021. Jayson Tatum of the United States in action with Evan Fournier of France REUTERS/Brian Snyder
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Basketball – Men – Group A – France v United States – Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan – July 25, 2021. Jayson Tatum of the United States in action with Evan Fournier of France REUTERS/Brian Snyder
As the 2020 Olympic Games nears its end, Team USA and France have reached the grand finale. Having already faced off once in the tournament, the reverse fixture will be keenly contested. USA will look to increase their dominance in the sport, whereas a new era beckons for the French. Will Kevin Durant lead his side to another victory and prove that the next generation basketball stars of the nation are here to stay? Or will the resilient French warriors gatecrash the American party yet again?
Redemption is on the cards for Gregg Popovich and Team USA, as they suffered an embarrassing opening fixture defeat to France. Vincent Collet masterminded a quality performance to counter the system basketball of the United States. However, that bout is nothing to go by on this occasion. The men in blue were yet to find their rhythm back then, which will not be the case this time around. On paper, both teams look set for an even battle. USA has the might of Durant, Damian Lillard and the defensive maestro Jrue Holiday, while France possesses Nando de Colo, Evan Fournier and the wall Rudy Gobert.
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Basketball – Men – Group A – France v United States – Saitama Super Arena, Saitama, Japan – July 25, 2021. Damian Lillard of the United States in action with Rudy Gobert of France REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Timothe Cabarrot feels his side will make history against Team USA
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In the semifinal against Slovenia, France’s attack wasn’t clicking as it normally does. Needing someone to desperately stand up, the side found an uncanny hero in Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot. In a clutch situation, Timothe slammed a crucial 15 points to keep his side fighting. The 26-year-old oozes of confidence, and didn’t back down when asked about the summit clash.
France’s Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot on the gold-medal game vs. the USA: “”I think it will represent something pretty special, because it’s the first one we’re going to win.”
? Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) August 6, 2021
In a pre-game interview, Cabarrot made his opinion known regarding his feelings before the match. He also made a bold prediction for the same.?“I think it [the Olympic final] will represent something pretty special, because it’s the first one we’re going to win.”?The forward will play a vital role off the bench for France, and his services will be key.
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The stage is set for the battle royal that is to come. The countdown has begun, and fans cannot wait to witness the final. What are your predictions for the tussle? Will the champions extend their reign, or will the challengers spoil the party?
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