The French basketball team announced their arrival in Paris with a rip-roaring 82-73 win over Canada on Tuesday, riding a wave of national pride into the Olympic men's semi-finals while the U.S. turned on the style to stay on track for a fifth straight gold.

Their 82-73 upset sends France into a semifinal game against Germany on Thursday, when they’ll attempt to secure a medal in this sport for just the fourth time (in 12 appearances) and the first time since 2020.

Thierry Henry stood with his arms outstretched, facing the jubilant crowd and soaking up the atmosphere. The final of the men’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics was in sight after France had been pushed to the limit by Egypt in Monday's semifinal at Stade de Lyon.