Belgian Revenge: Rivals maul Opals to top Cup group

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A nightmare offensive performance has forced the Australian Opals into the qualification stage at the FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin after missing out on top spot in Group C following an 80-68 defeat at the hands of rivals Belgium.

There was a lot at stake for both teams heading into their final group stage games with the winner to progress straight through to the quarter-finals but the Opals couldn't find any rhythm on the offensive end, shooting just 44% from the field and going 3-from-19 for just 19% from the three-point line in the 12-point defeat.

Belgium, led by WNBA star Emma Meesseman, didn't allow duo Steph Talbot (eight points) and Ezi Magbegor (15 points) to carry the load for Australia as they did earlier in the tournament and without the presence of Dallas Wings centre Alanna Smith, the Opals struggled to find enough offence to stay in the game.

Last season's WNBL MVP Isobel Borlase started to find her way late in the game, finishing with 10 points off 5-from-8 shooting, while point guard Jade Melbourne tried to provide a park for her team but finished with 10 points off just 3-from-12 from the field.

Belgium looked like running away with the game in the second quarter but the Opals fought back to trail by just two points heading into the final break.

But eight turnovers in the final period as well as an inability to finish in the paint cost Sandy Brondello's side dearly and Belgium made them pay.

Meesseman was the engine for Belgium, finishing with 22 points and going 10-from-18 from the field, while also grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out eight assists as the team - who lost to Australia in the 2024 Olympic Games bronze medal match - got their revenge, shooting 37% from beyond the arc which proved to be a key factor in their win.

Belgium had 27 assists compared to just 18 from the Opals, a sign of the difference in offensive execution between the two teams. They also had four others reach double figures to provide valuable support to Meesseman on the offensive end.

Australia's loss means they will face the loser of the Group D clash between Italy and China for a spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Group A if successful.

It's a daunting road for the Opals to reach the medal rounds with Italy having pushed Team USA all the way while China have always provided major challenges for Australia at major tournaments, most recently in the semi-finals at the 2022 FIBA World Cup in Sydney.

It's yet to be seen whether Smith, who has been sidelined with a lower leg injury, will return for the Opals.

FIBA commentators on the broadcast continued to discuss the lack of leadership within the Opals, following the losses of Cayla George and Sami Whitcomb in the lead up to the tournament, but Brondello's group will need to focus on improving offensively if they're to have a chance of reaching the medal rounds.