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23 - 31
July 2016
ESP vs RUS
31/07/2016
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U18 Women’s European Games: Sunday 31 July

SOPRON (FIBA U18 Women’s European Championship 2016) - It’s a repeat of the 2015 Final as defending champions Spain take on unbeaten France, while Latvia are playing for an historic place on the podium and Czech Republic and Israel battle to avoid relegation.

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FINAL
France vs Spain

France will be hoping that the idea of repeating the events of 2015 is not taken too literally, after suffering their only loss in Celje in the Final, with the Spanish team overwhelming them in a fantastic second half. If Spain need any further omens, they celebrated U20 success earlier in 2016 after dropping their third match but came back to win every subsequent game. Both teams use strong benches to good effect, and the match-ups will be intriguing - Spain have enough presence inside to cope with France’s powerful front-line, and there’s plenty of talent in both backcourts. The Spanish team have celebrated a remarkable three 18th birthdays within their squad this week - victory would cap a wonderful tournament, but the French will be determined to stop them.


Third-Place Game
Latvia vs Russia

Both teams will be smarting from disappointing Semi-Final performances, but the prospect of a bronze medal will help to restore energy levels. The post battle between Raisa Musina and Digna Strautmane will be the marquee match-up as Latvia chase a first-ever medal at this level, while Russia look to repeat their bronze-winning performance of 2015.

Classification 5-8
Hungary vs Belgium

A place at the FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship 2017 in Udine, Italy, is on offer for the winners of this match, where the home team will receive their usual level of fantastic support from the crowd in Sopron.

Turkey vs Italy

Both teams will feel it's “Mission: Accomplished” after reaching the last eight, but they will be eager not to end the tournament on a down-note with three successive losses.

Classification 9–12
Lithuania vs Slovenia

After they both finished bottom of their groups in the Group Phase, Lithuania and Slovenia have done well to battle back and secure top-10 finishes, and they will want to finish the tournament on a high.

Serbia vs Croatia

The old rivals resume battle, with pride and 11th place in the tournament on the line.

Classification 13-16
Czech Republic vs Israel

After the roller coaster of emotions that both teams experienced in dramatic victories on Saturday, they must re-focus and be careful not to let their efforts be for nothing, with the loser of this match joining Netherlands and Slovak Republic in dropping to Division B for 2017.

Netherlands vs Slovak Republic

The two teams meet again after clashing in the Group Phase, where Slovak Republic pulled out an overtime thriller - the Dutch will be eager to gain revenge and avoid finishing the tournament winless.

FIBA