A rivalry redefined is in the cards in the Semifinals. Team USA will go head-to-head with one of its oldest opponents on the world stage– the Australian Opals. The two have faced each other in six of the seven Olympics that Australia has been to, leaving the 2016 Rio Games. Every time, the USA got the better of the Opals. However, this rivalry that has existed for decades has seen many new faces.

Now, the question that remains is can the new generation of Australia send a loud and clear message in this fiery semifinal battle? Or will the jewels of the USA like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart keep their winning streak alive?

Will Team USA keep its winning streak over the Opals?

On the one hand, Team USA will boast of its veteran experience with the 42-year-old Diana Taurasi. The Phoenix Mercury star who has recently announced her retirement has won four times over Australia. On the other hand, the Opals will have their seasoned 43-year-old star, Lauren Jackson, who came out of her retirement just for the Paris Olympics. Connecting Taurasi and Australia is the WNBA legend’s wife and former Aussie basketball player Penny Taylor. Talking about the same, the 6x Olympian told reporters, “It’s going to be a home divided.”

However, the wish to continue the run for eight consecutive Olympic gold medals will keep Team USA up and running. So far, they have glided through every competition in this tournament with double-digit differences. They will be coming into the game having bested Africa’s first team to ever make it to the knockout rounds–Nigeria– in an 88-74 victory. Not to mention, A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, running in the MVP front for Team USA, are in their best forms. They are dominating the paint and scoring over 20 points per game.

Contrastingly, the Australians are boasting multiple young WNBA stars who do not fear their counterparts anymore. Ezi Magbegor, Stephanie Talbot, and Kristy Wallace are some of the players flying out of their WNBA world to represent their countries. All of these will be led by Sami Whitcomb, another star from the W. So far, they have never won a gold. But they are coming into the Semis with a 3-1 record, having only lost to Nigeria in the group stage. Eliminating Team USA would mean their chance to have one finally, that too after winning over their rivals and 9x Olympic champions.

The overall numbers of the teams are quite similar. Team USA is hitting 50.5% from the field while the Opals are going at 47.2%. From the deep, Australia has an edge with 36.9% compared to USA’s 30.8%. At the same time, while Australia’s steals per game are higher at 9.5, the USA is looking good at defense with 6.3 blocks and 47.8 rebounds per game. Clearly, both teams are coming in with some strong reasons. And with motivated players.

Who will send the initial message to the opponent for both teams?

Interestingly, Cheryl Reeve mixed up the starters on Team USA entering the quarterfinals. Jackie Young replaced Diana Taurasi to open the game vs Nigeria. Apart from that change, we can expect the usual stars to accompany her. A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier will be protecting the frontcourt. At the same time, Young and Chelsea Gray will be their backcourt.

As for the Opals, guards Sami Whitcomb and Jade Melbourne should be entering the floor. With them will be their center Ezi Magbegor with forwards Steph Talbot and Alanna Smith. Another intriguing fact is that Australia will be led by Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu’s WNBA head coach at the New York Liberty– Sandy Brondello.

It will be quite an interesting game to catch and see the history in the making no matter the end result. Nevertheless, as they have for the last 19 times of their matchups on the international stages, Team USA is a favorite to grab the winning flag once again in this epic showdown. Are you ready for it?

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.