or link to the full transcript: https://es.pn/qUjA6I
To listen to a full replay of the call, click here
With Commentators Ian Darke, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain and Executive Producer Jed Drake
Earlier today, ESPN conducted a media conference call with play-by-play commentator Ian Darke, lead match analyst and espnW.com contributor Julie Foudy, studio analyst Brandi Chastain, and ESPN senior vice president and executive producer Jed Drake.
During the call, the commentators and Drake previewed the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup title match – Japan vs. USA – on Sunday, July 17, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN3.com, ESPN Radio, as well as extensive coverage on ESPN’s digital media platforms, including ESPNnetworks.com, the WatchESPN App, and ESPN Mobile TV. Highlights:
Drake, on production philosophy going into the Finals: “I’d rather have us focus precisely on what we’re doing and have been doing. It’s a formula that has worked quite well. It was a very expansive formula. But we’re in a very good groove and we’re very happy where we are.”
Foudy, on balancing her role as match analyst with her history as former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team: “It’s a fine balance. Obviously, internally, I want that team to do well. A lot of those players I played with. At the same time, I have to call the game as objectively as I can and kind of step out of that.”
Chastain, on keys to U.S. team’s matchup vs. Japan: “One aspect of the game that will be perhaps very difficult for the U.S. is the composure and the confidence on Japan’s possession game. They are incredibly comfortable on the ball. Ian and I were just talking about it in the hallway of the hotel. They’re the closest thing we have to a Barcelona. They love the little passes. They love the combination play. And the fans love it.
“In that regard, the U.S. has to stay compact. They have to have good team defending. They have to not be frustrated by not having the ball. I think that will be a tall order if Japan plays the way they played against Sweden last night.”
Darke, on how formidable Japan will be vs. USA: “I think, too, everybody has to respect Japan. USA beat Japan twice in prep games before this tournament by two goals to zero. It could have been more in both of those games. I think Japan has moved on a couple levels since that. Against Germany, an element they added to their game which they didn’t have before, they were able to match Germany’s physicality, repel all their attacks, win that game and shock everybody at this World Cup.
“Then they’ve done it to another European team against Sweden. They won the game easily. They’re full of confidence. Before that game, as well, this is the Germany game, the coach showed them slides of the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami that they were representing their currently beleaguered nation. This is a side with a sense of destiny, who are really playing well. I think they’re the best footballing side in this tournament.”
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