2024 Olympics. France – Canada: Evan Fournier and the Blues defeat the Canadians, the summary

Impressive in all sectors, the Blues were able to tame a moribund Canadian opponent thanks to this has a newfound efficiency in attack. Evan Fournier was invaluable in the final moments of this memorable quarter.

France 82 : 73

Canada Live

20:20 – The summary

Perhaps it would have been necessary to wait for Vincent Collet's men to get closer to the epicentre of these Olympic Games for them to rediscover the magic of their basketball. The metamorphosis of the Blues against Canada in this quarter-final was grandiose and impressive, and no one will be able to contest a victory acquired with style and panache against the North Americans. The task that seemed very complex was brilliantly resolved by Fournier by providing the necessary ingredients at the start of the match. A solid defense, efficiency found on 3-point shots, a certain audacity on offensive choices perfectly illustrated by Lessort and Yabusele and above all an extraordinary composure in the fateful moments. Isaia Cordinier and Evan Fournier were the main architects of this magnificent feat. The first gave the Blues a quick advantage at the start of the game to lead the first half with less pressure (45-29 at half-time). The second was breathtaking in his skill in front of the circle in the last ten minutes with 3 long-range baskets that broke all the Olympic dreams of Canadians. 

The future leader of the Detroit Pistons also stood out for his ability to slow down the game and vary his passes when the Blues were under pressure (Gilgeous-Alexander's teammates came back to within five points at the end of the game). This is what Vincent Collet expected from his leader since the start of the Olympics. We will sign up for daily quarrels between the coach and the fireworks expert of the Blues if France offers us performances as brilliant as the one they gave in the quarter-finals.

Of course, the secret objective of the Blues (that everyone knows) is to be there in the final against the Dream Team, but given the context and the poor quality of the French game for almost a month, we will already be happy that this rebuilt French team with an attractive face can offer us a medal of a color other than Gold. The next obstacle is Germany, but the difference between yesterday and today is that all of France believes in a new feat.

20:08 – Les Bleus have found their magic

The French team rediscovered its magic and aura today against a Canadian opponent who never found the mastery of the first matches. A precious Isaia Cordinier at the start of the match, an efficient Wembanyama on the rebounds and a sparkling Fournier in the moments of truth at the end of the match, these were the main keys to the phenomenal success of the Blues in this quarter-final.

It's over at Bercy Arena, France wins in style against Canada (82-73). The Blues, ahead throughout the match, were never really worried by Gilgeous Alexander's teammates. Better still, they were calm and very effective in the moments of truth, thanks in particular to a monstrous Evan Fournier on the shots. three points.

20:01 – 40' – Fournier to conclude (82-73)

Like a symbioe, Evan Fournier scores the last two free throws of the game. 82-73

20:00 – 60- Wembanyama buries the Canadiens (80-71)

Another basket in the last minute gives the Blues a 9-point lead.

19:59 – 60' – France is almost there (78-71)

21 seconds left, 7-point lead for the Blues with one possession to follow

Evan Fournier scores a basket at 3 sparkling points in the last second of French possession. 10 points difference with one minute to go

19:53 – 38' – Fournier still effective (73-66)

The Blues regain a 7-point advantage thanks to two free throws from Fournier

19:53 – 38' – Fournier still effective (73-66)

The Blues regain a 7-point advantage thanks to two free throws from Fournier

19:52 – 37' – Cordinier loses a precious ball (71-66)

Cordinier loses a precious ball in his camp, Dort takes advantage to reduce the score (71-66)

19:50 – 37' – Fournier on fire (71-62)

Evan Fournier is sparkling at the end of the game. He manages to restore a 9-point advantage with a breakthrough in front of the Canadian circle

19:48 – 67' – Fournier gives the Blues a breather (68-62)

Superb three-point shot by Evan Fournier, the Canadians respond quickly on a counterattack. 6-point gap in favor of the Blues

19:47 – 66' – Canada returns to five bridges (65-60)

While the Blues continue to make unsuccessful three-point attempts, the Canadians come back to five points thanks to baskets by Brooks and J.R Barrett. France is still ahead

19:43 – 35' – Ntilikina makes his fifth foul

Frank Ntlikina makes his fifth foul of the game. We will not see the Frenchman again in this match.

19:41 – 34' – De Colo did not have his chance (65-55)

Six minutes from the end of this quarter-final, Nando De Colo is one of the rare Frenchmen not to have made his appearance on the court

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