That's exactly the comparison I've made to others. Some much physical potential, but so raw. She'll dominate lesser competition in France and Europe, but in the latter stages of the Champions League and International tournaments she gets exposed a little. sitruc: watching on television, wishing I were there in person.
40' 0-1 France steal at midfield right, let #4 Georges join the build-up. Japan get it back, and show a short hold-and-pass clinic in their own box. Toying with France's ragged pressure. 41' 0-1 France dump a ball into the 6, headed out to box top (France's) right, but between 2 French shirts. They retrieve it, but can't construct anything. Every France foray seems to fizzle out with a cross-and-hope that Fukumoto eventually gathers. 43' 0-1 Japan are not letting Thomis outflank them. France is having their WWC'11 SF problem again: they can't get behind a compact defense, and once they squeeze their own space away at Japan's box top, they can't create flowing penetrations.
I asked because the NBC broadcasts have been lowering the stadium sound a lot (not espn levels, but still more than they have with MLS). The feeds with no commentary have been night and day.
I've noticed a distinct difference between the NBC Sports Network HD broadcasts and the Olympic Soccer Channel HD Broadcasts (which are louder and clearer). It's almost night and day when it comes to how atmospheric it sounds.
45' 0-1 France connect passes up the left to #8 Bompastor way up at 22m 6-left. She crosses to 6-top right post, Japan clear. France retrieve, somehow feed #11 Delie at 3m 6-right. #3 Iwashimizu prevents her from turning, blocks her spin-and-shoot. HT.
The thing with this Japanese team is that they know how to soak up pressure. And for a team that keeps possession, they're also very dangerous with counter attacks
I meant that she committed the foul that resulted in the free kick. The goal is 100% keeper fault. She called for it so she's got to get it. That's why Rendar didn't go win it--keeper called for it.
I see. Yeah, terrible foul that far out from Renard. The keeper may have called for it - and definitely should have, it came into the six yard box - but Renard looked like she couldn't track that ball, even if she were trying to clear it all the way.
Again, poor shot selection and mental lapses hurting France. That howler went through the keeper's hand--that was totally on her. Japan remains patient and determined as usual. Japan is more than capable of winning the gold right now.
Renard was in good backstopping position. If Bouhaddi had whiffed clean, I think the ball would have hit Renard in the face/upper torso. The deflection quacked it perfectly just over Renard's head. You couldn't out-do that with a beer pong trick shot if she sat still for you.
Since the USA is horrible at possession, let see if you or I go in a coma when they play in the final. I don't see France getting an equalizer.