'I’m just proud': Sandy Brondello on her wounded Opals

Australia led by 20 at three-quarter time and had to survive a furious Italian finish in Berlin.

• ‍Game One: Smith injury fears as Opals fight off Puerto Rico‍
• Game Two: Opals skipper makes it look Ezi to beat Turkiye‍
• Game Three: Belgian Revenge: Rivals maul Opals to top Cup group
• Game 4: Just wow! Red-hot Borlase, injured Opals survive Italy

In the end, it was simply a bridge too far for the Australian Opals.

Healthy, the Opals mined for gold at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany, but it ended in a fatigue-laden loss to Spain, 89-66, in the quarter-finals on Friday, September 11 (AEST).

The Opals were dealt a blow before the tournament even started, losing captain Sami Whitcomb to a knee injury; 2025 Co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith was on fire before injuring her lower leg in the first game against Puerto Rico. New captain Ezi Magebgor tore her ACL just four minutes in against Italy, while starting point guard Jade Melbourne could only go 3:18 before succumbing to illness.

"Credit to Spain," Opals stand-in skipper Steph Talbot said.

"They played a great team game. As you can see, there was an even spread of scorers.

"They came out and threw the first punch. They were the more physical and aggressive team, and we struggled to get back on our front foot.

"It’s really hard to win games in major tournaments with so many injuries and illnesses."

Las Vegas Aces starter Talbot led Australia’s resistance with 11 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.

"Obviously, we’re disappointed that our tournament has come to an end," Brondello said.

"It wasn’t our best game. I thought the second half was way better than the first half.

"We had so many injuries. It’s really hard to compete against the best in the world when you don’t have all your best players.

"But I think it was a great experience for all our younger players. We can take those as learnings as we move forward and look forward to LA."

Brondello said she thought the Opals struggled in the first half because of the three starters being ruled out.

"I thought in the first half we were a little bit like, when you lose players, 'This is too hard'. We didn’t compete as hard.

"At half-time, it was more like, 'How do you want to go out? This could potentially be our last game'.

"Italy nearly beat us last game, so let’s just give it a crack.

"I think we showed more of what it is to wear the Opals uniform. We’re not going to give up, regardless of the scoreline.

"We had fewer turnovers and they had fewer offensive rebounds, so we’re capable of it regardless of who’s on the court and who’s not.

"I’m just proud. When you’re down and lacking experience, Talbs is the only really experienced player out there.

"I do want to compliment her. I nearly got a tear out of her, so that doesn’t happen very often.

"But just look at how great her tournament has been at both ends of the floor. We wouldn’t be in the quarter-finals without her contributions.

"She’s poured into these young players as well about how hard you have to work to be at your very best.

"We’ve learned a lot along the way. I’m proud of our fight and how we finished. I’m disappointed, obviously, that it’s the end of our tournament, but we’ll take the positives out of it and continue to grow."

But four starters out, nine healthy players against Italy, and less than 24 hours later against Spain in the quarters for a group that played five World Cup games in less than seven days it was simply too much to overcome.

Opals back-up point guard Steph Reid, pushed into the starting line-up, kept Australia close in the first quarter, scoring 11 of 13 points (three threes), but Spain broke it open to lead 31-17 at the first break. The Spaniards went on a 16-0 run to push their lead out to 24 before Australia gutted it out. They could never get it below double figures.

Spain controlled the quarter-final for 37:24, shooting 48% from the field and winning the battles in the paint (42-18), rebounds (38-32), assists (26-18) and turnovers (15-23). Australia shot 40% overall, with Spain converting the Opals’ turnovers into 21 points.

Alex Wilson and Chloe Bibby scored a team-high 13 points each. Steph Reid added 11 points and four assists, hitting three triples as she scored 11 of the Opals’ first 13 points.