France defeats Brazil 78-66 in the opening Basketball event at Lille

They cheered and sang along to the beat of tambourines as the French men's team triumphed over Brazil in the basketball competition's opening day.

France emerged victorious with a score of 78-66 against Brazil, largely due to an outstanding performance by Victor Wembanyama of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs.

Standing at 7 feet 3 inches (2.22 meters) tall, Wembanyama, also known as "The Alien," contributed 17 points to secure the win for his team.

Reflecting on the electrifying atmosphere, Wembanyama expressed, "I anticipated something extraordinary, but this surpassed my expectations.

I have never encountered anything quite like it. The sheer number of people and the intensity, starting from warmups, is simply incredible."

Sporting Gallic rooster hats and tricolor wigs, the KOP Francais Basket, the official basketball fans' group, enlivened the stands with their drumming and enthusiastic support.

Jeremie Cozzie, one of the leaders, emphasized the importance of France winning tonight, expressing unwavering loyalty to the team. On the other side of the stands,

Brazilian supporter Alexandre Naoki Nishioka, along with his family, enjoyed the lively atmosphere despite some playful banter from the French fans.

The fans' support, including creating a starry sky effect with their mobile phones and singing the national anthem, made the game feel like a football stadium, according to Brazilian player Cristiano Felicio.