The invincible team was about to be defeated. The United States teetered on the edge in their second match at the Berlin World Cup, this Sunday against an Italy team they could only beat 52-55 and with great suffering. The dream team came close to their first official defeat since the 2006 World Cup, against Russia, thus barely extending a streak of 71 consecutive wins.
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Cecilia Zandalasini had a three-point shot to tie in the last action after scoring 14 points and 7 rebounds during the game, the biggest torment for the United States. Among the Americans, Caitlin Clark was absent: only one point in 18 minutes on the court and nine missed field goals. Paige Bueckers did not exceed seven points, Breanna Stewart stayed at five, although she added 11 rebounds, and the top scorer was Jackie Young with 10. The Italian players protested the refereeing in the final minutes.
USA DEFEND THE LAST POSSESSION AND STAY ALIVE.#FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/vDYQWt4mPY
— FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 6, 2026
The United States, queen of an era that includes eight Olympic golds and four consecutive world championships, sees European powers getting closer and closer. They only defeated France by one point in the final of the Paris 2024 Games, and now Italy has given them a new warning.
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