Outrageous three-pointer lifts roof off Bercy Arena as France seal quarter-final victory
PARIS: An Evan Fournier three-pointer from just over the halfway line blew the roof off Bercy Arena, securing France's place in the semi-finals and a guaranteed shot at a medal after they disposed of the highly fancied Canada 82-73.
The French fans have created a party atmosphere at every different venue during the Games and they broke out in song as the match tightened up in the fourth quarter, singing the national anthem to inspire their beloved players when the lead was cut to seven.
Generational talent Victor Wembanyama rattled out a three-pointer that would have made for the perfect crescendo with the arena in full song but Guerschon Yabusele came up with the offensive rebound and reset the offence so the home side could run down the clock. With the shot clock about to expire Wembanyama found Fournier who backed up towards the halfway line before throwing up a Hail Mary three-point attempt. It went in. Of course it did!
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The anthem had finished but the roof was almost lifted when Fournier's heave went in, with the parochial crowd on its feet before bursting back into song.
Evan Fournier launches a long-range three pointer in France's quarter-final win over Canada. Nine
Evan Fournier reacts after knocking down a crucial bucket. Nine
The ridiculous bucket re-established a double-figure lead, with France up 76-66 with 55 seconds to play. Game over.
And with that France progress to a semi-final against Germany and the chance to set up a gold medal match, potentially against Team USA, which would be the hottest ticket in town.
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