France And The United States Prepare For Double Gold Final At Paris Olympics

LeBron James will try to win his fifth consecutive gold medal for the US (photo: x @usabaskatball)

JAKARTA The Paris Olympics will be brilliantly closed as the French men's and women's basketball teams prepare to face the United States in the much-anticipated double gold final.

After the French men's team confirmed their place in the final by beating Germany in a thrilling match, the women's team followed to the final on Sunday 11 August after a dramatic 81-75 win with extra time against Belgium, which was filled with festive support from the hosts.

"We deserved it. I am very proud of us," said Gabby Williams, France's hero in extra time, who leads her team with 18 points. I love moments like this, and it's normal because this is the semifinals of the Olympics. We won't win the game by 20 points.

This victory completes the dream game for a thrilling basketball weekend, where the French sport spotlight will focus on the Bercy Arena as the strong United States faces the inspired hosts.

France will be the underdog team in both matches. The US men's team led by LeBron James will try to win their fifth gold medal in a row on Saturday, August 10 before the US women's team tries to win an unprecedented eighth gold in a row on Sunday, August 11.

Both French basketball fans and the women's team took two days to recover from the tense semifinals and was only decided at the last second of extra time.

Leading 66-60 with 50 seconds remaining, France seemed ready to win in regular time to Belgium counterattack. Julie Vanloo managed to score three free throws before Emma Meesseman scored three points with eight seconds remaining to send the game into extra time.

With the tension peaking, Meesseman again scored an important goal that reduced France's lead to 76-75 with 55 seconds remaining. However, Williams came to save France by scoring one basket and two free throws that ensured victory, greeted with cheers from the crowd.

Previously, the United States advanced to the final by beating Australia 85-64. "I think gold medals are standard," said Alyssa Thomas of the United States. Wherever we are in the world, that's our goal and that's what we're aiming for here.

If there is a revenge match in this basketball tournament, it is between the US and Australia. The United States has amassed 60 straight wins, won seven consecutive Olympic gold medals, and most of that success came with beating Australia.

Australia, known for its nickname "Theos," has five Olympic medals in women's basketball, but has never won gold, lost to the US in three consecutive finals (2000, 2004, and 2008). Australia also lost to the US in the semifinals of the 1996 and 2012 Olympics, as well as in the quarter-finals in Tokyo three years ago.

"I don't think the score really shows how the game really is," said Breanna Stewart, twice WNBA's best player, who leads the US score with 16 points.

Australia's chances of repaying their defeat soon dashed when the US took a 14-4 lead early in the game and never slowed to a 45-27 lead in the first half. The big US win continued after the break, winning 30 points in the fourth quarter before winning a landslide victory