Preview: Who will make the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 Final?

LJUBLJANA (Slovenia) - The Semi-Finals of the FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2023 in Ljubljana could be about to serve up a pair of classic encounters as the last four teams standing continue their title quest. 

Hungary are looking to make the most of being here for the first time in 26 years, while Spain are eyeing up another step towards the top of the podium having won three of their four titles in the last decade. Meanwhile France are eager to land their first title since 2009 and must overcome a Belgium side that would make history if they make what would be their first Final.

Meanwhile all the Semi-Finalists have already been able to celebrate taking a ticket for next years FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. France will still participate, even though their spot at Paris 2024 is already guaranteed as host nation.

With more spots in the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments on offer, click here for more on the competition system and qualification principles for future FIBA competitions.

Hungary vs Spain - 17:45 CET 

There are not two teams in the past 18 months who know each other inside out quite as much as Hungary and Spain. They played each other in the Qualifiers to get to this tournament and also twice during preparation. That adds an interesting dynamic to an already mouth-watering Semi-Final.

Hungary are at this stage for the first time since 1997, perhaps still blowing out their cheeks in relief after dramatically scraping past Czech Republic in the Quarter-Finals. They have not made a FIBA Women's EuroBasket Final for 67 years so it would be quite an achievement if they were to beat their opponents. As for Spain, they are used to this stage and will use their vast experience to try and fend off their opponents, having improved with every game since that defeat on the first day of the competition in Tel Aviv.

Head To Head: These nations have met 10 times previously in an official setting, with Hungary having won six times and Spain four times. Interestingly, Hungary won the first six and Spain have won every game in the 21st century (the last four) by at least a 10-point margin.

Key matchups:  Raquel Carrera and Laura Gil have been a real focal point in the paint for Spain and it will be fascinating to see how they matchup with Cyesha Goree and Bernadet Hatar. With both teams happy to leak out in transition, controlling the rebounds is going to be absolutely key. 

X-Factor: It will be interesting if having made the Semi-Finals for the first time since the 1990s, which was a major aim, Hungary might be able to release some nerves and tension. The lack of a 'killer mentality' keeps being raised having handed the game to Turkey in the Group Phase and then almost blowing that 17-point lead against Czech Republic. So maybe now being slight underdogs again might suit them. 

Stats Don't Lie: Spain continue to look after the ball with incredible care and are only averaging 8 turnovers per game an that is helping them so much.

Did You Know? This is Hungary's seventh Semi-Final and they have lost five of the six they have appeared in. Spain will play their 10th Semi-Final in the 21st century - the most of any nation since 2001, but maybe surprisingly,  they have lost more games than won, with four wins and five defeats at this stage.

They Said: "I said to the girls that my best number and my lucky number is 4, but I really don't want to be fourth. I am hoping that we will go home with the medal and I am believing in it." - Hungary captain, Debora Dubei

Belgium vs France - 20:45 CET 

Something has to give when Belgium and France lock horns since both are currently a flawless 4-0 in the tournament and arguably come into this one having each posted their most impressive displays to date in the Quarter-Finals. Belgium are hoping it will be a case of third time lucky having lost their two previous Semi-Finals in 2017 and at the last edition, while France could be on the verge of stepping out in an incredible sixth straight Final if they get the win. 

Head To Head: There have been eight meetings between these teams and France have held the upper hand with six wins compared to two for Belgium. In every one of those six games, the team leading at half-time has went on to claim victory.

Key matchups:  It has to be Emma Meesseman against presumably Sandrine Gruda  with Iliana Rupert's participation in doubt. Obviously Meesseman had such an incredible Quarter-Finals performance as she made history with that first ever triple-double. But Gruda was also impressive too - not only rolling back the years with a classic 18 point display, but also playing some real lockdown defense on Natasha Mack. Can she do the same - and how will things go when Belgium field the in-form Kyara Linskens at the same time? Perhaps it will be Marieme Badiane who has to take Meesseman?

X-Factor: The ability for Belgium to get out in transition remains the strongest part of their game. While they have some great inside-outside balanced scoring power, those fast break points are what truly make them look like potential champions in waiting. While France themselves are getting better offensively with every game, it looks unlikely they will want to run and gun. Therefore tempo is everything and it may be that the more of a half court game it is, the more France's chances of success increase.

Stats Don't Lie: Belgium are not just running the floor well and making sweet music offensively, they are also doing the dirty work on the glass. France are going to have to step up as Belgium average 40 boards per game, compared to just 31.5 for their opponents.

Did You Know? France have reached the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Semi-Finals for the eighth consecutive time – the longest such sequence amongst all countries.

They Said: "Against Belgium, our defense is going to be key. Clearly - because this team is very complete. They have a great starting five and we are going to have to come ready to face a strong challenge." - France center, Sandrine Gruda

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