Liz Cambage masterclass sees Opals through to Women’s Basketball World Cup final

AUSTRALIA will play defending champions, the US, for gold at the w\Women’s Basketball World Cup after a stunning performance from Liz Cambage delivered the Opals a spot in the tournament finale.

Australia´s players celebrate after winning the FIBA 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup semi-final match between Spain and Australia at the Santiago Martin arena in San Cristobal de la Laguna on the Canary island of Tenerife on September 29, 2018. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)

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AUSTRALIA will play defending champions, the US, for gold at the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Spain after a sensational comeback and a stunning performance from Liz Cambage delivered the Opals a spot in the tournament finale early Monday.

The Opals won Australia’s first basketball world title back in 2006 but have been unable to replicate the feat since.

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The Australian team celebrate their victory over Spain, in the Women's basketball World Cup semi final. Picture: AP Photo

On Sunday morning the Opals produced a stunning comeback to turn a three quarter-time deficit into a 72-66 victory over Spain.

The fightback from eight points down was the biggest test of the tournament for the Opals who had scored hefty wins over their rivals in the lead-up to the semi-final against Spain.

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Liz Cambage (33 points, 14 rebounds, four blocks) was key to the success as she produced one of her best performances of the event.

“It was tough. We knew it was going to be a hard, hard 40 minutes going into this game and it was. They (Spain) are a group of superstars,’’ Cambage said post match.

“We just came up with it in the end. We played our hearts out and left it on the court. ‘’

Australia's guard Jenna O'Hea (R) vies with Spain's centre Laura Gil. Picture: AFP

Cambage came out firing in the final period with six quick putting the Opals back within reach of victory.

A Katie-Rae Ebzery three then put the Opals back in control.

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The US has won every world title since Australia’s success back in 2006 and will go into the game as favourites.

“To know we have the country tuning in at 5am cheering us on, it means the world to us. If there’s one thing I want to do for my country, it’s bring home a gold medal,’’ Cambage said.

The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Australia channel 505.

Australia's centre Liz Cambage (L) vies with Spain's forward Astou Ndour. Picture: AFP

Alex Bunton of Australia collects a rebound with Astou Ndour of Spain during the Women's basketball World Cup semi final. Picture: AP Photo

The Opals last met the USA in the 2014 world championship semi-final where the Americans prevailed by 12 points.

The gold medal decider will be live on Fox Sports Australia channel 505 from 5am Monday.

Spain's guard Marta Xargay (C) vies with Australia's guard Stephanie Talbot (L) and Australia's centre Liz Cambage. Picture: AFP

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