PARIS (France) - Some dreams were broken as the semi-finalists of the women's 3x3 competition were determined after an epic day five at the Paris Olympics. 

Germany will play Canada in the semis, while USA and Spain will do battle. Here are the things we learned as the pool stage and the play-in was completed. 

Germany clinch top spot and automatic semi-final berth 

Most people did not predict that Germany would finish top of the pool stage and gain an automatic spot into the semis. Even the humble German players admit they're a bit surprised. 

But Germany deserve their spot in the final four after chalking up a 6-1 record in a brilliant campaign. The Germans made sure they skipped the play-in and gained extra rest after edging Spain 18-15 in a battle of European powerhouses. 

In a rematch of the Europe Cup 2021 final, with two players from each team remaining from that game, Germany came up on top with a gritty 18-15 victory. 

Little separated the teams as this went down to the wire before Marie Reichert came up clutch down the stretch with a huge offensive rebound and she iced the game calmly with a couple of free throws. 

Germany's size advantage was probably the difference, with their length making life tough for opponents. 

The smaller Spain were left disappointed, but their mood cheered up when they qualified for the semis after Australia lost to France 

Team USA are rolling

USA's early struggles seem like a distant memory as the defending gold medalist extended their win streak to five games to power through to the semis. 

The Americans won two games against China - firstly in a close last game of the pool stage before a convincing 21-13 victory in the play-in. USA are moving the ball crisply and getting open looks as they shot 4 of 6 from 2. 

WNBA player Dearica Hamby had a monster game with 9 points and a perfect 3 of 3 from deep. After a nervous start to the tournament, she's settled nicely as USA are moulding into the formidable force expected of them. 

 Former World Cup champs China just couldn't find their best throughout with star Lili Wang mired in shooting woes to sink their chances. 

Hot Canada once again blow away stunned Australia

The tables turned spectacularly between Canada and Australia. It was Australia who won twice over Canada to book an Olympic ticket at the qualifier in Utsunomiya. 

But Canada exacted revenge in style with two blowout victories in Paris, including 21-10  in the play-in. The Canadians played the game of their life as they nailed 5 of 8 from 2, while playing stellar defense to completely grind the normally potent Australia to a halt. 

There were tears of joy for Canada as they booked a date with Germany, while a shocked Australia could not believe what hit them as their emotions took over after the game. 

Australia had been rolling at one point with a 4-1 record, but things went downhill after Lauren Mansfield injured her back and they rued a costly loss to France earlier on day five. 

France finish disappointing campaign on a high

After their Olympic dreams effectively ended on day four, France were determined to finish on a high and give their loyal fans something to celebrate. 

And they did exactly that after spoiling Australia's bid to directly qualify for the semis with an OT victory. Marie-Eve Paget was the hero with a two-ball game winner as her compatriots jumped out of their seats in wild celebrations. 

The emotional French players basked in the adulation amid a standing ovation from the fans.

They will no doubt feel gutted with the 2022 World Cup champs eliminated at the earliest stage in a bitter disappointment for a highly-fancied team with gold medal ambitions. 

Azerbaijan fall at first hurdle but gain admirers

For some, this was their first glimpse of Azerbaijan on the 3x3 stage and they did not disappoint despite an early exit. 

Apart from a heavy defeat against Australia, Azerbaijan were highly competitive and lost several games in heart-breaking fashion, including a 21-19 defeat to Canada on day five. 

A victory would have lifted them into the play-in as they incredibly fell one point short of sixth-placed China. 

It wasn't meant to be, but Azerbaijan did make their country of 10 million people proud with an upset of USA on day two already part of their country's Olympic lore. 

Tiffany Hayes proved she's a legit superstar with 54 points at an average of 7.7 ppg to be the leading scorer in the pool phase. 

FIBA