Another big-tournament blockbuster against the USA awaits the Opals at the women's basketball world championship in Turkey.
A depleted Australia continued their impressive run by defeating Canada 63-52 in Friday's quarter-final in Istanbul to fulfil a pre-tournament ambition of reaching the last four.
The win guarantees the Opals a place in a medal match but they'll condemned to a battle for bronze unless they can overcome a lop-sided history against the world's top-ranked side in Saturday's (Sunday morning AEST) semi-final.
Australia have lost to the Americans at the business end of the past five Olympics, while their famous 2006 world championships victory was helped by avoiding the US in the draw.
The Americans' last triumph over the Opals came only two weeks ago in a pre-world championships warm-up match but skipper Penny Taylor insists the past won't affect a confident, new-look Australian side.
"I think the game (two weeks ago) was a great for some new people to play the US for the first time but other than that I think they look a lot different and so do we," said Taylor, who play with US stars Diana Taurasi, Candice Dupree and Brittney Griner at WNBA side Phoenix.
"I think what we've done well this tournament is focus on ourselves and what we want to get done and I believe we'll follow that trend whoever we play."
Raging tournament favourites the US booked a semis spot with a 94-72 win over France on Friday.
In other results, Spain proved too strong for China, winning 71-55 to set up a semi-final against Turkey who pipped Serbia 62-61.
The Turks are making their first world championship appearance, having increased in power over the past few years and finishing fifth at the 2012 London Olympics.
Despite being ranked second in the world, the Opals will have a sense of nothing to lose given the setbacks they've faced in Turkey.
Pre-tournament injuries to Lauren Jackson and Liz Cambage rocked preparations but Australia showed great depth and team spirit in storming through the group stage with big wins over Cuba, South Korea and Belarus.
The 11-point win over Canada was not quite as clinical, with Australia shooting at just 35 per cent, but coach Brendan Joyce was delighted with how his side adjusted against the slow, grinding approach of the Canadians.
"I'm very pleased we won differently tonight against a different opposition a different style of play," Joyce said.
"It's an Aussie saying, I'm absolutely rapt for the girls because this team is so tight from a team chemistry point of view.
"We've had some adversity as everybody's aware with some of our players not being available due to injury but different players have stepped up.
"Now the next challenge is a ahead of us but I'm a big believer in just trying to soak it up because that's pretty special for us and now we've got the opportunity to win a medal."
The Opals' performances in Turkey have been highlighted by teamwork rather than any consistent standout performers and this time it was Phoenix star Erin Phillips who led the way against Canada with a game-high 16 points.
Marianna Tolo also excelled with 13 points and nine rebounds while American convert Leilani Mitchell helped Australia get away early with 10 crucial first-half points.
The Opals are now within reach of a fourth world championship medal.
Along with gold in 2006, took bronze in 1998 and 2002.
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