Semi-Final Previews

Brazil versus Australia:
The former battle of the bodysuits is giving way to the battle of wills. Who wants this title more. Lauren Jackson has shown how much she wants by leading all scorers in the tournament. Brazilians have showed how much they want by packing the arena for every game Brazil played. Now what about the players? If yesterday's game against the Czech was any indication, they want it really bad. The key to this game again will be rebouding. In their previous meeting for the preliminary rounds, Brazil let Australia score too much on second-chances by not taking care of the defensive glass. They can't make the same mistake again. Oh, and did I mention don't ever try that 2-3 zone again, especially when you have Adriana in and she's a foot shorter than Penny Taylor?
Stick with the man-to-man, make sure Alessandra and Érika can take turns guarding LJ, take advantage of your bench. All that tips the balance in favor of Brazil. Helen has to do a better job on Kristi Harrower as she was distributing the game without being bothered by hand-checking and such defensive trickery.
The crowd will be a factor, too. They border on maniacal, but it's always good natured taunting. It's really fun to be there.
On the Aussies' side, they will have to contain the Brazilian wings. Iziane, Janeth and Micaela are quick and can either penetrate or settle for the jumper. I hope they're on because then I'm sure we can do it. Tully, I swear those Violet Crumbles are not damaged goods, so don't be flopping today, k?
Brazil advances.

USA versus Russia:
Maria Stepanova is the only one who can save Russia from the embarrassment of being swept off the floor by the Americans. Without guards capable of exploring the American backcourt's lack of defensive prowess, the Russians' only option is getting the ball to their skilled post players. Again officiating might be a problem. The US is getting away with excessive physical play while the Russians seem to be called for blinking an eye at someone. I surely don't understand that pattern, but I hope it's not at display tonight. We want a clean game, with great plays and both teams are capable of putting on quite a show. If the US can knock down 3-pointers while keeping Stepanova off the boards, this one will be easy.
USA advances.