USA Targets Eighth Gold After Japan Victory; France Upsets Canada

The United States secured a dominant 102-76 win over Japan in the women’s basketball tournament. This victory at the Pierre Mauroy stadium puts them on track for their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. In their Group C opener, the Americans showcased their firepower. Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson led the charge. Captain Diana Taurasi, making her sixth Games appearance, provided solid leadership. The defending champions demonstrated their readiness for another gold.

Japan, however, displayed remarkable resilience. Despite the loss. Rui Machida and Mai Yamamoto shone with impressive three-point shooting. Their performance, despite their height disadvantage, highlighted their skill and determination. Hosts France pulled off a major upset, beating Canada 75-54. Initially trailing, the seventh-ranked hosts rallied spectacularly. Canada, ranked fifth, scored only two points in the second quarter. This was the lowest single-quarter score by any team in Olympic history.