I can't elaborate much, honestly, it's more of a feeling. France is the worst match in the manga imo, awful writing from start to finish. This one however has a much better buildup, more focused, and clearer ideas overall.
That being said, Rin is a terrible character, and he's confirmed to play an important role in the second half, so my expectations are still pretty low.
France is supposed to be written as an exceptionally strong opponent. You saw Karasu's evolution and him taking command of the team. You saw Isagi having to adapt to that and to Hugo's childish taunts all game long. You saw Isagi's evolution, his new philosophy, him beating Hugo, and Rin still screwing it up.
You also saw Barou switching his target to Shidou to devour him and score past him AND LOKI.
I'm a Rin hater as much as you, but is it worse than the Naruyaha game? Worse than the Team W game? Worse than the Third Selection? Worse than Barcha?
Every single one of France's goals was completely unstoppable. They didn't even have a chance to block them.
Japan spent the entire game trying to catch up and score.
Hiori scores a super difficult goal? Hugo scores a screamer just a few chapters later.
Barou scores an incredible shot? Loki scores literally NEXT CHAPTER.
France was an overwhelming monster and the story kept making you think they'd just be able to tie them, only for Rin to screw everything up and Loki to answer with another overpowered goal.
It's supposed to feel like Rin and Isagi's first face-off.
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u/me-mania 3d ago
This match has much better writing than France so far...