France and Russia set showdown in FIBA Europe Championship semi-final on Friday.
A thrilling match-up awaits fans at the Zalgiris Arena in Kaunas tonight as France battles Russia in the FIBA Europe Championship semifinal.
France made it to the semifinal by beating Greece 64-56 last night. The French trailed after three quarters but outscored their opponents 24-13 in the fourth period to reach the medal round.
NBA veteran Tony Parker will again lead Les Bleus and he needs lots of help from the likes of Joakim Noah, Nicolas Batum, Nando de Colo and Boris Diaw, who is struggling as of late.
Mickael Gelabale is still doubtful after playing limited minutes against Greece due to an ankle injury.
"We have guaranteed a place in the pre-Olympic tournament for next year. It was our first goal, but we still have a chance to qualify directly if we win tomorrow (Friday)," says France coach Vincent Collet.
Russia, meanwhile, is the only unbeaten team remaining in the tournament. And they want to put a fitting end to their impressive performance by winning the title and securing a place in next year's London Olympics.
NBA veteran Andrei Kirilenko has been the star of this squad. The Utah Jazz forward posted an all-around performance of 14 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks to lead Russia to a 77-67 win over Serbia in the quarterfinals.
Russia head coach David Blatt is confident that with Kirilenko and Viktor Khryapa leading the way, his team has no reason not to qualify for London.
"We got back two of our main players - Kirilenko and Khryapa - who didn't play in 2009. And you saw tonight (Thursday) how important they are," he said.
"But that is not the story. The story is the other players who matured and are now higher-level basketball players. We provided our players with the kind of teaching and culture it takes to build a successful national team."
Blatt, however, is anticipating a tough game against France.
"I saw France play a couple of times already. They are athletic in every position. They have two elements you look for - a great, great point guard (Tony Parker) and two players in the middle who can play with their back to the basket.”
Russia has beaten France five times in their last eight meetings but the French were victorious 69-64 when they last played each other two years ago in Poland.
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