France have caused the biggest shock of the basketball World Cup in China after beating defending champions the United States 89‑79 to reach the semifinals.

France will meet Argentina tomorrow for a berth in Sunday's final while 2006 champions Spain take on Australia, who overpowered Czech Republic 82‑70 in last night's other quarterfinal.

The United States, favourites to win their third successive and sixth overall world title, drop into the 5‑8th place playoffs after they failed to reach the medal rounds for the first time 2002.

They lacked depth with 17 of their top NBA players pulling out of the roster in the build‑up to the tournament in China.

Reuters reports the only positive the US will take from the tournament is that they have qualified for next year's Olympics in Tokyo alongside Australia, Argentina, Spain, France, Iran and Nigeria.

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