PIRAEUS (Greece) - At the last edition of FIBA Women's EuroBasket in 2023, France finally ended their silver streak which had seen them secure five runners-up places in a row - only they didn't end it with the gold they craved. Instead, they had to be satisfied with the third podium step in Ljubljana. Hit the fast-forward button to Piraeus 2025 and they now stand just two wins away from ending a wait that is surely far too long for a nation with so much depth and talent.
"Now we want to be this team that finally brings it home after so many years."
France advanced to a ninth consecutive Semi-Final appearance with their 83-61 victory over Lithuania, on Tuesday.
Last crowned champions back in 2009, is the wait finally going to be over and they will get to lift the cherished silverware on Sunday?
Tournament | Where did France finish? | Eliminated by |
|---|---|---|
2023 | Third Place | Belgium |
2021 | Runners-up | Serbia |
2019 | Runners-up | Spain |
2017 | Runners-up | Spain |
2015 | Runners-up | Serbia |
2013 | Runners-up | Spain |
2011 | Third Place | Türkiye |
2009 | Champions |
|
The signs look good. Ironically without their three of their most high-profile stars in Gabby Williams, Marine Johannes and Marine Fauthoux, they have gelled brilliantly as a new look unit. Their physicality is turning heads, channelled expertly into punishing defense and they've also dropped some stunning shooting numbers too. Janelle Salaun has been on fire, Valeriane Ayayi is proving to be a great leader of the group and Iliana Rupert is moving up through the gears with every passing game.
Even France themselves recognize that it's time. Although even after powering past Lithuania in the Quarter-Finals, they still have two more wins to collect to get over the line.
"Yes, it is too long and Coach Toupane keeps telling us this," confessed Ayayi.
"But we still have one more step before the Final. I think we are in a good way and we are practising for it. We are focused on that goal [of ending our wait] but we take it step by step."
Meanwhile, Rupert added: "We talk about it very often. It is what motivates us. We know that past teams were always very good but we were always missing something.
"Now we want to be this team that has it and finally brings it home after so many years." You can let us know what position you think they are going to finish by casting your vote in the fan poll below.
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