RIO DE JANEIRO, September 20 -- Australia beat France 79-66 on Wednesday to set up a semifinal clash with Brazil in the FIBA Women's World Championship in Sao Paulo.

Australian forward/center Lauren Jackson was the top scorer of the game, with 19 points, while French forward Sandra Le Drean was the best at rebounds, with 9.

Brazil and Australia first met in the second round when the Australians overcame Brazilians 82-73.

"It will be a very, very tough game, and totally different from the first. We also have to work on the defense," said Australian head coach Jan Stirling, who added that the team will have to work on defense, as Brazil had trump cards like guard Janeth Arcain, forward Iziane Marques and center Alessandra Oliveira.

Brazil and Australia will play on Thursday, while France will play against the Czech Republic, defeated by the Brazilians in another quarterfinal, on the same day for the 5th position in the World Championship.