Thrilling Olympic Quarterfinals: France, Germany, Canada Secure Spots

The Paris Games saw dramatic advances as France secured a spot in the quarterfinals with a last-second comeback. They are joined by veterans Germany and newcomers Canada. The final lineup for the quarterfinals, including the winner of the U.S.-South Sudan game, will be determined by Saturday.

France's breathtaking last-second comeback at the Paris Games was further sweetened a few hours later when the host nation secured a quarterfinal spot, ensuring a trip to Paris for next week's knockout round.

Germany and Canada have also clinched their places in the Olympic quarterfinals. The winner of the U.S.-South Sudan game on Wednesday will similarly secure a quarterfinal berth.

The field for the medal round started to solidify on Tuesday, especially after reigning World Cup champion Germany defeated Brazil 86-73 following a halftime tie. This victory came right after France's Matthew Strazel executed a four-point play to tie the game in regulation, leading to a 94-90 overtime win against Japan.

These results place France and Germany at the top of Group B with 2-0 records, leaving Brazil and Japan, both at 0-2, behind. Canada's earlier victory over Australia advanced them to 2-0, making it certain they will at least earn a wild-card spot in the quarterfinals.

"I just heard that," Germany's Franz Wagner said about clinching the quarterfinals spot. "Honestly, I didn't know. It's good."

The Olympic tournament consists of three groups of four teams each. The top two finishers from each group advance to the quarterfinals, with the final two spots going to the best third-place teams in group play.

France, the silver medalist at the Tokyo Games, is now in the quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive Olympics. Germany has made it to the quarterfinals for the second straight Games after missing out since 1992, and Canada is in the quarters for the first time since 2000.

Group A is led by Canada at 2-0, followed by Australia and Spain at 1-1, and Greece at 0-2. Group B is topped by Germany and France over Brazil and Japan. On Wednesday, Group C will see the U.S. and South Sudan, both at 1-0, facing Puerto Rico and Serbia, who are 0-1.

"Obviously, it's nice to get the first two and now we've qualified," Germany coach Gordie Herbert remarked. The complete quarterfinal lineup will be known by Saturday after the draw for matchups, with knockout rounds starting next week in Paris.

(With inputs from agencies.)