ANKARA (FIBA World Championship for Women) - France are celebrating a fourth consecutive spot in the Quarter-Finals of the FIBA World Championship after easing to a 61-48 success against Brazil.

Boosted by the welcome return of the previously injured Endene Miyem, Les Bleues were able to compete physically against Brazil and it was a second-half shutdown which ultimately sent their opponents home.

It proved to be a good time for Miyem to prove she can and will play a part in the competition, having not featured in any of the Group B games.

"It felt like I had been waiting such a long time for that," stated the forward.

"It's great just to be back out on the court and it made very happy and especially because we managed to get the win we wanted - this made it perfect."

There had been little to choose between both teams after a relatively tight opening 10 minutes, which France only just shaded 12-10 - not that it was a sign of things to come.

Valerie Garnier and her players threw a defensive blanket over Brazil and restricted their opponents to a meagre five points in the second quarter.

It placed France in what proved to be an unassailable position at 26-15 ahead at half-time, and they had little difficulty in keeping Brazil at arms' length during the second half, easing their way safely over the finishing line.

France will play the USA in Friday's Quarter-Finals in Istanbul, with Miyem already looking forward to the match-up.

"We know they are the champions, but we beat them during preparation - so why not again," smiled the 26-year-old.

FIBA