The Opals are peaking at just the right time in Paris

It was a shaky start, but as the Aussies prepare to play for a spot in the gold medal game, things are finally starting to click.

Photo credit: FIBA

It’s official, the Opals are headed to the Olympic semi-finals. While this was an expectation - for players and fans alike - entering the Games, the reality of the achievement comes as somewhat of a relief after a tumultuous two weeks in Paris. It started with Bec Allen’s devastating injury, both an emotional and physical blow to their medal chances before the opening ceremony had even begun. Subsequently, they were ambushed by Nigeria, and only just scraped past Canada. Heading into a do-or-die clash with France, they’d tallied more turnovers than assists.

Things didn’t look good.

But a team with foundations built on connection and culture found a way to band together and take down the host nation, overcoming a raucous home crowd and resurrecting a campaign that was seemingly on life support. Last night’s one-sided win over Serbia was another major step forward, with securing passage into the semis and some reassurance Sandy Brondello may have cracked the code to getting Australia back on the podium for the first time since London.