Argentina - France (3,15 kof. - 1,38 kof., betsafe).
Probably nobody expected to see these teams in one of the semi-finals of the championship. With Serbia and the USA in the semi-finals, all eyes were on them, but both France and Argentina managed to silence their critics and prove their worth. Unlike France, Argentina dominated the Serbians throughout the match and did not even give them the slightest chance to think about victory. Meanwhile, the French team had a 7-point deficit in the 4th period, but they went on a 22-5 spurt and managed to win the match by 10 points.
What makes the two teams different?
The Argentinians, as is typical of South American teams, play fast-paced basketball and attack when they have the chance. Unlike other teams in the region, Argentina has a lot more talent on this team, with most of the players representing strong European clubs and others trying to break into the NBA. The bond between the players is also incredible and it would be very difficult not to like this team.
Much of the team's success is down to the duo of Campazzo and Scola, who have also been a problem for the Serbian national team. Campazzo, who had 18 points and 12 assists in that game, was simply unbelievable, from back-to-back passes with a player behind the three-point line under the basket, to a volley of three-point shots. Meanwhile, Scola made the most of his veteran status by provoking fouls and finishing off attacks with great passes in the penalty box. Looking at Argentina, it seems that they simply have nothing to lose and are playing for fun, which can actually be a positive thing at this stage, given the tension that normally weighs on the players.
On the other side, the French team, which, as every year, stands out for its athleticism and physicality. Although underestimated by many before the championships, this year's French team is in fact one of the strongest ever assembled in this country, with players from both the NBA and the best European clubs. The tandem of Fournier and Gobert is unstoppable at this championship and will definitely have an advantage over the Argentinian team in the penalty area.
De Colo's importance to the French national team cannot be overlooked - for 2 games in a row, De Colo has taken responsibility in the fourth quarter and has been able to make free throws and finish off attacks successfully. With the trio of Fournier, De Colo and Gobert performing well, bringing everyone else into the game would only make things more difficult for the opposition. It is fair to say that this team has not really reached its full potential yet, and the further it goes, the better it plays.
History between teams
The teams have played each other 6 times in international tournaments, including friendlies, and France has won 4 times. The most memorable victory was undoubtedly at the 2012 Olympic Games, when the French team won 71-64.
Forecast
The French team is listed as the clear favourite for this semi-final, with odds of just 1.38 for a win, with a -6 point advantage and odds of 1.9. A lot will depend on which team is the first to handle the tension and start the match better. Stylistically, France has excellent defensive and athletic players in all positions, so it will be much more difficult for the Argentinians to overwhelm this team, as they did against Serbia. It's hard to see who could stop Gobert under the basket, as both Delia and Scola are not the best defenders and Gobert has been in terrific form in the last two games. We are likely to see a tough match in which the French will have prepared answers for this Argentinian team. The Europeans should prove their superiority and qualify for the final with a victory of more than 6 points, so we suggest -6 for the French team with odds of 1.9.
EN 
LT 
DE 
FR 
SV 
ES 
IT 
FI 
LV 
SK 
SL 
TR