Belgium vs Australia: Predicted Starting 5s and Depth Charts for August 11 | 2024 Paris Olympics Women's Basketball bronze medal game

Modified Aug 12, 2024 01:47 GMT

Belgium and Australia will have to pick themselves up from semi-final disappointment when they face off in the bronze medal match of the women's basketball event in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Both nations' journey at this Games is far from over. A win on Saturday would be a historic first basketball medal for Belgium and Australia's best Olympic result since its 2012 bronze. The Opals have previously won two bronze and three silver medals.

Belgium vs Australia: How they got here

The reigning EuroBasket Women champs have been one of the biggest surprises at the Olympics this summer. The Belgian Cats finished third in its group, narrowly beating Japan, and then cruised to the semi-finals after defeating Spain 79-66. Although Rachid Meziane’s women fell to host nation France in the semi-final, they just need one more victory to secure their first-ever spot on the podium.

The other semi-finalist, Australia, defeated rival Serbia in a tenacious clash to secure passage to the semi-finals, after finishing second in a group containing France, Nigeria and Canada with a 2-1 record. However, the Aussies' hopes of winning a first gold or fourth silver medal were halted by the formidable USA team.

Breanna Stewart's 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists, combined with A'ja Wilson's 10 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, highlighted the US's dominance as they secured a spot in the gold medal game.

Belgium vs Australia: Starting lineups and depth charts

Belgium starting lineups and depth charts

Belgium coach Rachid Meziane is expected to have her full squad to choose from, and will be expected to select an unchanged side for the sixth consecutive fixture, despite a gruelling encounter.

Antonia Delaere and Kyara Linskens will continue to lead the line along with Emma Meesseman, Elise Ramette and Julie Vanloo.

Position	Starters	Bench	Bench
Point Guard	Julie Vanloo
Shooting Guard	Elise Ramette	Bethy Mununga
Small Forward	Antonia Delaere	M. Lisowa Mbake	Laure Resimont
Power Forward	Emma Meesseman	Ine Joris	Nasty Claessens
Center	Kyara Linskens	Becky Massey	Billie Massey

Australia starting lineups and depth charts

Similarly, Australia coach Sandy Brondello is expected to be working with the same group of players from Saturday’s semi-final defeat. Sami Whitcomb, the team's leading scorer throughout the group stage (although she had a quieter game against the US), will likely start alongside Ezi Magbegor, Steph Talbot, Jade Melbourne, and Alanna Smith.

Position	Starters	Bench	Bench
Point Guard	Jade Melbourne	Kristy Wallace	Isobel Borlase
Shooting Guard	Samantha Whitcomb	Tess Madgen
Small Forward	Stephanie Talbot	Amy Atwell
Power Forward	Alanna Smith	Cayla George
Center	Eziyoda Magbegor	Marianna Tolo	Lauren Jackson

Belgium vs Australia: What to expect

Two well-matched teams in terms of efficiency, with Belgium ranked second and Australia third may temper their attacking instincts just a little. This has all the makings of an extremely close affair, with both sides motivated to secure a place on the podium.

However, Australia’s superior firepower through the likes of Magbegor, Talbot and Melbourne and consistent form throughout the tournament give them the slight edge to overcome Belgium and secure a medal to cap off their Olympic campaign.