France and Latvia kept alive their´hopes of reaching FIBA World Championship 2006 in Brazil by winning important games on Saturday.

The top five sides from Europe qualify for next year's tournament in Brazil and both France and Latvia were knocked out of medal contention on Friday when losing quarter-finals.

On Saturday, the French edged Poland 73-71 while Latvia scraped past Turkey 81-78.

France and Latvia will now square off on Sunday in the battle for fifth place.

Anna Wielebnowska's three-pointer had given the Poles a 64-62 advantage with six minutes and 38 seconds remaining but France hit back with Nicole Antibe scoring two field goals in succession for a 66-64 lead.

The French, led by Antibe's 16 points, then held on for a gritty victory.

		Anete Jekabsone (Latvia)

Anete Jekabsone poured in 30 points for Latvia as they narrowly defeated hosts Turkey.

Spain face the Czech Republic and Russia take on Lithuania in semi-final action on Saturday.

All four of those teams have earned their places at the FIBA World Championship for Women.