In brief
France defeated host nation Germany 86-64 in front of 12,650 spectators at Berlin's Uber Arena to advance to the World Cup championship game.
Gabby Williams scored 22 points for France, while Nyara Sabally and team captain Marie Gülich each posted 12 points for Germany.
Germany committed 24 turnovers compared to seven by France, allowing the French team to expand their 45-38 half-time advantage.
Germany plays for bronze on Sunday at 16:30 against Spain or the United States, followed by France playing for gold at 20:00.
Semi-final outcome in Berlin
France secured a place in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup final on Saturday by defeating host nation Germany 86-64. A crowd of 12,650 spectators filled the sold-out Uber Arena in Berlin, where former NBA player Dirk Nowitzki and German men's national team captain Dennis Schröder attended courtside. Germany reached the semi-finals for the first time in team history after defeating European champions Belgium 93-74 on Thursday. Despite the scoreline, home supporters stood during the final minute to celebrate the national team's run to the top four.
“I am extremely happy for the girls. The atmosphere is incredible. We let ourselves be carried by the atmosphere. The arena will be bombastic.”
Defensive pressure and turnovers
France asserted control early through perimeter defense, leading 25-23 at the end of the first quarter. Germany attempted to counter full-court pressing by feeding passes to interior players, but French defenders repeatedly generated steals and contested shots. Germany surrendered 24 turnovers over forty minutes, while France committed seven. Although Germany drew fouls in the second quarter, missed free throws prevented a comeback, leaving France ahead 45-38 at half-time. France then pulled away in the second half, winning the third quarter 19-12 and the fourth quarter 22-14, while Germany held the lead for only 11 seconds.
“We were in the game, but somehow also not.”
- Germany
- 24 turnovers
- France
- 7 turnovers
Data from the article text
Individual scoring and roster performance
Gabby Williams led all scorers with 22 points for France, pacing an offense that entered the weekend having won every previous tournament match by at least 26 points. French guard Marine Johannès and 20-year-old center Dominique Malonga faced early foul trouble and missed scoring opportunities, but France maintained scoring balance across the roster. For Germany, Nyara Sabally and team captain Marie Gülich scored 12 points each to lead the home side. Leonie Fiebich added nine points, including two early three-pointers, while Frieda Bühner found fewer offensive openings inside. Center Luisa Geiselsöder dribbled out the final seconds without attempting a shot as the clock expired.
- Gabby Williams (France)
- 22 points
- Nyara Sabally (Germany)
- 12 points
- Marie Gülich (Germany)
- 12 points
- Leonie Fiebich (Germany)
- 9 points
Data from the article text
Medal matches and tournament context
The victory advances France to Sunday's final at 20:00, where the team aims for its first World Cup championship against the winner of the United States versus Spain semi-final. France entered the weekend with a quarter-final win over fourth-ranked China by 29 points and had defeated Germany in 33 of their 42 previous meetings, including the Paris Olympic quarter-finals. Germany transitions to Sunday's bronze medal game at 16:30 against the losing semi-finalist. A matchup with Spain would offer an opportunity to respond to Germany's 53-83 loss on the opening day of the tournament.
“Our development continues upward, and if we have more time together over the next two or three years, we can also beat France at some point.”