It is the battle of 2nd against 4th in the world but Australia, FIBA World number 4 boasts of the best and most consistent player of the tournament, Elizabeth Cambage.
She is turning up in Spain like she did in the WNBA this season. Leading the tournament in scoring and killing all opponents so far but has to contend with the home crowd and a hungry Spanish side who showed no mercy to Canada in the quarterfinals.
Having managed 4 podium finishes, Bronze in 1998, 2002 and 2004 before a Gold medal in 2006, the Gold coast Opals are searching for another gold medal in the Spanish Islands.
However, the reigning Eurobasket champions looked like they have got their mojo back, with how they dismantled Canada in the quarterfinals. They also are seeking their first Gold after podium finishes in 2010 and 2014 which resulted in Bronze and Silver medals respectively. At least a date in the final is something Spanish fans dream of their team and one more chance to grab that elusive gold medal.
HEAD TO HEAD
Spain have never beaten Australia at the World Cup in 3 meetings. Will Spain make Australia bit the dust for the first time or will Australia remain supreme?
Spain 54- 87 Australia (1998 Germany)
Australia 73-58 Spain (2008 China)
Australia 72-68 Spain ( 2006 Brazil)
KEYS TO WIN
Australia:
Inside scoring: Elizabeth Cambage brought the form that saw her dominate and set a WNBA single game scoring record (53 points) is the leading scorer and rebounder in Spain averaging 25.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.
Spain:
Points in the paint: Astou Ndour and Laura Nicholls will battle hard in traffic to get the high percentage shots over Canada who would look to cause some traffic in the paint.
Note: The big battle will be on the glass. Whoever wins the battle on the boards and gets more second chance points will win the game tonight. Both teams leave on that end of the floor.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Australia: Elizbeth Cambage – 25.8 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game.
Samantha Whitcomb – 10 points per game, 2.8 assists per game.
Bec Allen- 10.8 points per game, 2.8 assists per game, 4.8 rebounds per game
Spain: Laia Palau – 5.2 points per game, 5.4 assists per game.
Astou Ndour – 13.8 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game.
Laura Nicholls – 6.6 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game.
PREDICTION
Australia win
Written by Femi Adefeso. Twitter: @IncredibleFemi
