By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
For only the second time in FIBA World Cup history, the same national team captured the bronze medals in back-to-back tournaments. France in 2014 and this year at China followed in the footsteps of Yugoslavia that finished third in 1982 and 1986.
At Spain, Vincent Collet’s side went 3-2 in the group stage, afterwards eliminated Croatia and Spain before losing to Serbia in the semifinals and defeating Lithuania in the bronze medal game. The recent World Cup saw the French win 4 out of their 5 matches in the first two rounds than beat USA, lose to Argentina and take down Australia in the third place tilt.
Yugoslavia in 1982 had 3-0 in the first round and 4-2 in the semifinal stage prior to the win over Spain in the bronze medal contest. Four years later a 5-0 first round tally was followed by 4-1 in the second round, but an overtime loss to the Soviet Union forced the Yugoslavians to the bronze medal match and eventually an easy win versus Brazil.
Before the two straight bronze medals, Yugoslavia won gold at the Philippines in 1978 and returned to the top in 1990 at Argentina. In contrast, the two recent bronze medals marked the first podium appearances for France. However, if history repeats itself on the outing following a couple of bronze medals in a row, France will march for gold in 2023.
Overall, USA is on top of the list of bronze medal recipients in the World Cup with four. Yugoslavia won the above two, but France also tied the Soviet Union, Brazil and Chile with its second bronze. Croatia, Germany, Lithuania and the Philippines have captured the other four.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL