Canada Shocks the U.S., Wins World Cup Bronze After 87-Year Drought
In a surprising turn of events, Canada has secured the bronze medal at the World Cup, leaving the U.S. empty-handed and stunned. This victory marks Canada’s first medal at a global men’s tournament since 1936, ending an 87-year drought that has plagued their basketball history.
The thrilling third-place game took place in Manila, Philippines, where Canada emerged victorious with a final score of 127-118. Dillon Brooks led the charge with an impressive 39-point performance, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points and 12 assists, showcasing their undeniable skills on one of basketball’s grandest stages.
The disappointment for the U.S. team continued as they failed to secure a medal for the second consecutive World Cup. This setback marks only the seventh time in 38 appearances at the Olympic or World Cup level that an American team did not claim gold, silver, or bronze. U.S. coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge of competing against well-coached teams with strong continuity, praising the abilities of the opposing teams in FIBA.
The U.S. team, initially considered favorites in the tournament, experienced a downturn in their performance, losing three of their last four games. As they left the court for the final time in Manila, a mix of frustration, anger, and disappointment filled the air. Guard Tyrese Haliburton succinctly described the team’s emotions as all of the above.
Canada’s victory over the U.S. is a significant milestone in their basketball history. Their previous win against the U.S. in FIBA senior men’s competitions dates back to 2005 during a FIBA Americas event. However, this recent win was even more remarkable, with Canada fielding seven NBA players on their roster, while the entire U.S. team consisted of 12 NBA players.
Though the U.S. team faced setbacks due to illness, with three players missing the crucial game against Canada, it does not diminish Canada’s achievement. Anthony Edwards led the American team with 24 points, supported by Austin Reaves with 23 points and Mikal Bridges with 19 points. Bridges, in particular, delivered a remarkable play at the end of regulation, forcing overtime with a miraculous shot just behind the 3-point line.
Despite Bridges’ heroics, Canada remained undeterred in overtime, never relinquishing the lead. RJ Barrett contributed 23 points to secure Canada’s victory, ensuring their bronze medal finish. Coach Jordi Fernandez celebrated the win, believing it to be the beginning of something extraordinary for Canadian basketball.
For the U.S. team, this World Cup journey serves as a wakeup call. They finished seventh in China four years ago, fourth in Manila, and now face less than a year to regroup before the Paris Games. Their quest to secure a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal will require significant reflection and improvement in their defensive capabilities, as their inability to obtain crucial stops proved detrimental in this tournament.
Canada’s long-awaited medal at a tournament of this magnitude is a triumph for their basketball history. The last time Canada experienced success at such a level was in 1936 when they lost to the U.S. in the gold-medal matchup at the Berlin Games. This bronze-medal victory serves as a testament to Canada’s growth and capability in basketball, a sport that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
As the World Cup concludes, teams now shift their focus towards the Paris Games and the anticipation of fierce competition on the global stage. In the aftermath of this World Cup, both Canada and the U.S. have valuable lessons to carry forward as they strive for basketball excellence.
