The Opals will need to run the bracket for glory at the FIBA Women’s World Cup.
The first pit-stop; a wildcard Italian team at Berlin Arena (4:45am AEST, Thursday).
Australia have produced brilliant flashes so far in Germany but lost their way in the final group phase matchup against Belgium. There’s nothing like a do or die playoff to serve as a reboot for this young team.
The proving ground comes in the form of a 6th all-time meeting of Australia and Italy women’s teams in FIBA competition play.
| AUS (3) v ITA (14) | ||
| Thursday, 4 September | 4:45am AEST | Berlin Arena |
Broadcast LIVE on ESPN, Disney+ & Kayo Sports in Australia
Courtside 1891 for International
MATCHUP
It was 1967 when the two nations first encountered each other at the FIBA World Championships. This resulted in a 56 – 51 win to the Opals. The nations have met four times since, with Australia going 5 – 0.
That doesn’t mean it’s all been on the Opals terms, with four of those matches decided by a total of 19 points.
It’s been 32 years since the last encounter. And the journey of the Opals so far in Berlin presents a level of unknown in what will come next. But it also presents. opportunity.
JOURNEY
Australia’s Opals are a team in a period of rejuvenation.
It’s been decades since the Opals went into a major international tournament without the legendary Lauren Jackson and a swathe of other experienced leaders like Tess Madgen, Marianna Tolo, Cayla George and Sami Whitcomb.
The time is now for the next wave of Australian women. The depth and talent are there. And the expectations remain high for Sandy Brondello and the group.
Tournament play has been a rollercoaster thus far, but there have been vibrant flashes of the potential.
In classic fashion, the small window for preparation required cobwebs to be dusted in the opener versus Puerto Rico. We got a new chapter in the lore of FIBA Steph Talbot and they got the win, but there was clearly a higher ceiling for this group.
They packed a collective punch in a dominant display against Turkiye. Ezi Magebgor was doing Ezi things and Jade Melbourne produced punishing drive after drive. We caught a glimpse of the future as well, with Issy Borlase, Ally Wilson, Alex Fowler, Zitina Aokuso, Chloe Bibby and Issy Bourne having moments.
A bronze medal rematch against Belgium in the final group phase game was a great temperature test. The Opals may have fell short against the experience of the Cats but they were far from out of the match. They looked dangerous when they’re out on the run, they are setting up well on offense and defense. All that’s missing is the polish.
OPPONENT
Italy have been enigmatic so far in the FIBA Women’s World Cup.
The 14th ranked Le Azzurre almost did what few have ever come close to. Beat the USA. A determined Italian team pushed the Americans to the final play of the game in the group stages, losing 55 – 52.
It was the closest any nation has gone to beating USA since Russia topped them in the 2006 World Cup.
Golden State Valkyries star Cecilia Zandalasini has been the focal point of their fortunes. Ceci, as she’s known by the fans, led Italy with 19 points in a win against the Czechs, 14 against the USA and 12 vs China.
Guard Matilde Villa provides a solid one-two punch with Ceci for the Italians, which will likely be the case again in the upcoming qualification final.
LEADERS
STEPH TALBOT
PTS 44 | AST 10 | REB 23 | STL 4 | +/- 24 | EFF 60
We’ve seen new heights in work rate and determination from Steph Talbot in Berlin. The moment Alanna Smith went down in Game One, Talbot recognised the imbalance and made it her mission to guide the Opals through it.
The Golden State Valkyrie has been the barometer for the Opals thus far. We can’t wait to see what FIBA Talbot does next in Berlin.
EZI MAGBEGOR
PTS 47 | AST 6 | REB 19 | STL 2 | +/- 4 | EFF 52
The power of Ezi Magbegor continues to build. Magbegor was announced captain days before game play and she has a mercurial way of providing the right performance at the right time for Australia.
An awesome opportunity is ahead of Magbegor to guide the Opals as captain into high-stakes game play and do what she does best. Stay calm, meet the moment and play ball.
JADE MELBOURNE
PTS 28 | AST 11 | REB 3 | STL 3 | +/- 14 | EFF 28
Jade Melbourne is the engine of this Australian team. The Seattle Storm guard continues to provide the juice on offense, and it feels like she still has levels to go with it.
Melbourne presents a consistent threat with ball in hand on offense, is a fierce competitor and will not go down without a fight. Great tangibles to have as we enter the elimination phase of the tournament.
Head to the Opals Event Hub for more.
