First Italy, and now Spain. European countries have made a point in this World Cup that they are steadily reaching the same level as Team USA. And while the Americans reached their fifth consecutive World Cup final, it wasn’t without its issues on the offensive end. Breanna Stewart is confident for when they have a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics final.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
“Tough one. They’re a really tough team. They’re shooting the (expletive) out of the ball this tournament, but we have a quick turnaround… We’ll flip the page for France,” Stewart said, via USA Today’s senior WNBA reporter Meghan L. Hall on X.
While Team USA beat Spain 76-66, it was closer than expected. The teams were drawn 56-56 ahead of the fourth quarter, as head coach Kara Lawson’s side had a poor showing from outside the arc. Team USA went just 3-for-18 from the three-point line (17 per cent efficiency). With 27-of-35 from the free-throw line, they were able to separate themselves from the Spanish, who had just 11 attempts from the line.
Moreover, Team USA’s bench did not have the greatest game either. Caitlin Clark had another lackluster outing, matching her zero-field-goals mark for a second time this tournament after Italy. However, she did achieve a +16 in the game.
Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers also could not contribute much, scoring five and six points, respectively. The Dallas Wings star continued the defensive efforts she has shown throughout the tournament, matching Reese with three rebounds.
Breanna Stewart, Jackie Young, and Kahleah Copper all scored in double digits. The New York Liberty star took the headlines, as she is just one win away from becoming a four-time World Cup winner. Stewart recorded 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
She’s now No. 6 all-time on Team USA’s World Cup career scoring list with 266, passing Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes (252) and just two points away from passing Cheryl Miller for No. 5. Young and Copper contributed with 12 and 13 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Coach Kara Lawson’s reliance on the veteran starting lineup once again led to a slow start for USA. Spain surged to a 16-9 score at one point in the first quarter.
Regardless, Team USA’s offense was unbalanced, and they will have to step up their game against France, which once again took a cakewalk to beat host nation Germany 86-64 and reach their first-ever World Cup final. Golden State Valkyries star Gabby Williams was the star of the show, recording 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
Safe to say, France will be out for revenge on Sunday after what happened two years ago, when Team USA heartbreakingly beat them 67-66 in Paris, thanks to MVP A’ja Wilson’s heroics. And judging by how the two teams have performed in this World Cup, France will be coming in with all the momentum.
Team USA recorded its 35th straight victory in the World Cup, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against the most dominant French side in ages.