Belgium's players seem pretty happy about reaching the semi-fnals in their first appearance at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Tenerife ©FIBA

The United States raced on towards what they hope will be a tenth victory in the Women’s Basketball World Cup with a 71-40 quarter-final win over Nigeria in the Spanish resort of Tenerife.

They will next meet Belgium, who earned an 86-65 win over France to reach the semi-finals in their first appearance in this International Basketball Federation (FIBA) event.

Breanna Stewart was a stand-out performer for the US as she scored 19 points, while for Nigeria, Ezinne Kal scored eight points.

The United States were easy winners over Nigeria in today's FIBA Women's World Cup quarter-final in Tenerife ©FIBA
The United States were easy winners over Nigeria in today's FIBA Women's World Cup quarter-final in Tenerife ©FIBA

Belgium’s Julie Allemand produced 13 assists during their win, equalling the record number recorded in a single game in this event set by Yuka Harada for Japan in 1994.

Australia reached the other semi-final with a 83-42 win over China, with Liz Cambage scoring 20 points.

For China, Yuero Li scored 12 points.

The final match between Canada and hosts Spain proved to be a dramatic affair, with the European side eventually winning 68-53.

After arriving in the final quarter trailing by 47 points to 50, Spain energised themselves to win it by 21-3 to secure what looked like an easier victory than it was.

Astou Ndour stood out for Spain, scoring 16 points, while Natalie Achonwa impressed for Canada, scoring eight points.

Action is taking place at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes and the Tenerife Sports Pavilion Santiago Martin.