Semi-final Sapphires fired up for Spanish challenge

• ‍Game 1: Sapphires duo break steals record in World Cup opener‍
• Game 2: No.1 US escapes Sapphires late run‍
• Game 3: Manyok double-double powers Sapphires to knockout stages‍
• Game 4: Sapphires unleash 24-0 blitz to bury Germany early
• Game 5: 'Veteran' Madi Ryan leads Sapphires into semi-finals

Australia is one win away from a place in the FIBA U17 Women's World Cup gold medal game, with the Sapphires set to take on Spain in a blockbuster semi-final after an impressive run through the tournament.

The Sapphires have continued to build momentum on the world stage, overcoming Japan in a hard-fought quarter-final to secure their place among the final four. Now, they face another stern test against a Spanish side renowned for its physicality, discipline and success in international basketball.

Head coach Tom Garlepp was full of praise for his team's composure against Japan, acknowledging the unique challenge they presented.

"We were happy as a group to prevail against Japan," Garlepp said. "They present a challenge like no other in world basketball, and this Japanese team in particular were well drilled and boasted some exceptional grit and talent."

Australia's ability to withstand Japan's relentless pace and execution highlighted the growth of the young squad, with the players continuing to gain valuable experience against some of the world's best junior programs.

While the quarter-final victory was a significant milestone, Garlepp's focus has quickly shifted to ensuring the group continues its upward trajectory rather than dwelling on what has already been achieved.

"We would like to simply keep building," he said. "We obviously know that the teams get tougher with every game in any tournament so with each practice and match we want to try and grow and learn together and this messaging will be consistent for the semi-final."

That mindset has become a defining characteristic of the Australian campaign. Rather than looking too far ahead, the Sapphires have embraced the opportunity to improve every day, with each performance providing new lessons against elite international opposition.

Spain now presents arguably Australia's toughest assignment of the tournament. A perennial contender at junior world events, the Europeans combine size, skill and defensive intensity with years of experience competing on the international stage. Their disciplined style and willingness to battle for every possession has made them one of the most respected programs in world basketball.

For Australian teams, clashes with Spain have long carried extra significance, producing memorable contests across multiple age groups and senior competitions. Garlepp believes his players are embracing the opportunity to add their own chapter to that rivalry.

"Playing against Spain is a famous and enjoyable challenge for Aussie teams and I am happy this group gets their opportunity to have their experience within that," he said. "They play hard and tough. We will prepare as best we can to be able to go and give it a good crack together."

The semi-final represents another opportunity for the Sapphires to test themselves against one of the tournament's premier nations while chasing a place in the championship game.

Australia's balanced roster has demonstrated its versatility throughout the tournament, with contributions coming across the lineup on both ends of the floor. That depth has allowed the Sapphires to adapt to different styles of play, whether matching the speed of Asian opposition or the physicality of European teams.

With a medal now guaranteed to be within touching distance, the focus remains firmly on the next challenge. The Sapphires know they will need another disciplined and determined performance to overcome Spain, but confidence continues to grow within the group after a series of impressive displays.

A victory would send Australia into the FIBA U17 Women's World Cup final and cap another outstanding performance from one of the nation's brightest young basketball squads. Regardless of the occasion, Garlepp's message remains simple: continue to learn, continue to improve and embrace the challenge that awaits against one of world basketball's traditional powerhouses.

Australia take on Spain at 1.45am AEST.