The participates of Group G for Women's soccer consist of the United States, New Zealand, France, and Columbia. The start of the Olympic Games took place on August 3, where France had a 4-0 victory against Columbia. The U.S. also had a victory of 2-0 after facing New Zealand. Saturday, both victors, France and the U.S. came together to play in Belo Horizonte.
First Half
In the first half, France kept the U.S. in a defense position as they worked the field by passing the ball and keeping the momentum.
France also came in this game very strong as they had several quality shots on goal. They definitely put U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo to work as she saved the shots off of the top crossbar.
There was no extra stoppage time added after the end of the first half. Both teams were still tied 0-0 at the end of the half.
Leading up to the game, United States Captain and midfielder Carli Lloyd had this to say; "France has got some great talent. They like to attack. It's going to be a technical and tough game and we have to be ready for anything. We are familiar with them and we just have to get it done."
Second Half
At the start of the second half, Lloyd put the pressure by being on the back line of the French defense. Although Lloyd was offside at times, she still kept the pressure by making runs when the ball was on the side of French defense.
In the 63' minute, U.S. midfielder Tobin Heath had an open opportunity on the left side of the goal and took a shot, which hit the bottom of the post after a block from French goalie Sarah Bouhaddi, but rebounded and allowed for Lloyd to complete the play with a goal leading the U.S. 1-0.
France determined for a goal
In the 72nd minute, France was given a free kick and French captain Wendie Renard attempted to head the ball into the goal, she missed and the bounce off of the ground just missed the goal, leaving U.S. goalkeeper Solo relieved.
The U.S. defense was challenged as France was putting up a fight to get at least one goal in the back of the net. The intensity increased as well as the fouls to get a foot on the ball. France had about 14 fouls as the U.S. had seven.
In the 76th minute, France forward Marie-Laure Delie attempted to use her head to get the ball in the goal as she kept her eye on the incoming pass, but instead used her shoulder to take a shot on goal, which was saved by Solo.
France continues to keep the pressure with two more attempts to score and yet Solo remain strong as she used her strong judgment to make the saves.
U.S. takes the lead for Group G
With three minutes of stoppage time added, the U.S. manage to keep the lead with a 1-0 win. Lloyd's goal was exactly what was needed in order for the U.S. to remain on top in Group G. France will face New Zealand as the U.S. prepares to play Columbia in the next Olympic game on August 9.