This happened so many times with the keeper. I don't think she is a very good passer, thus tends to just use her leg and kick it far. On her line and diving she is top quality, coming out or playing sweeper keeper, I'd grade her very low. So often our defense would get a steal after about 10-15 passes by Japan, then they would clear it back to the keeper, who would just kick it deep and give Japan possession again. I think I yelled at the tv a few times over this.
I don't mind a few long balls from the defense or mids as I believe it opens up the middle of the field. Kind of like the deep pass in football opens up the short passing game. If Japan is pressing high, then going over the top can be a good thing. I seem to remember France beat the US 2-0 in Feb. due to balls over the top when the US was only using 3 backs.
OK, I was just thinking that 3 years ago I had never even watched a soccer game. WOW. So glad my daughter broke her arm and took up soccer.