For the first time in 5,824 days, U.S. Men’s Soccer took to the pitch for the Olympics.
At the Beijing Summer Games in 2008, the U.S. failed to qualify for the knockout rounds, finishing with a 1-1-1 record in their group. They have not qualified for the Olympics since then.
Now, back on the pitch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the U.S. will be searching for its first-ever Olympic medal in the sport.
Taking on favorites France in their first match, Les Bleus were at +230 odds to win the gold medal entering Wednesday. After a dominating 3-0 performance over the U.S., France sees themselves at the top of the Group A table. France’s win didn’t come easy at first, but they’ll be happy walking away with three points after a strong second-half performance.
Here’s how Wednesday’s match unfolded:
U.S. vs. France
After a slow start to the match, hosts France started controlling the pace. Pressing the U.S. and playing physically, French fullback Kiliann Sildillia was the first player to be shown a yellow card in the 17′.
The U.S. generated smart and quick passing plays to counter the French defense, and Philadelphia Union right back Nathan Harriel was distributing the ball well across the pitch to generate offense.
Despite finishing with 63% possession compared to the U.S.’s 37% in the first half, France’s attack, which featured Jean-Philippe Mateta, Michael Olise, and Alexandre Lacazette, couldn’t find early chemistry. Both countries showed a few promising attacking chances during the first 45 minutes, but neither side could break the 0-0 deadlock.
In the second half, France started to break out. In the 61′, Lacazette put Les Bleus up 1-0 from distance. From outside the box, Lacazette struck the ball with his right foot, which found its way past U.S. goalkeeper Patrick Schulte and into the bottom left corner.
In the 64′, the U.S. came close to equalizing the match, but John Tolkin’s header at the back post hit the bottom of the post, keeping France in the lead. Just five minutes later, in the 69′, France doubled their lead. Olise, who recently signed with Bayern Munich, used his left foot to finesse a shot past Schulte from outside the box.
In the 76′, Union midfielder Jack McGlynn was subbed into the match, making his Olympic debut.
France extended their lead again in the 85′. From a corner, Loic Bade powered in a header to put Les Bleus up 3-0.
Eight minutes of extra time were added in the 90′, and in the 90’+4, the U.S. thought they found a late goal, but VAR ruled that Griffin Yow was offside when making a forward run before beating Restes.
The U.S. generated countless chances in the second half and came close multiple times to cut their deficit, but weren’t able to scrounge up any goals to help their goal difference. Finding themselves with a -3 goal difference after Wednesday, the U.S. will need to string together strong performances if they want to see themselves progress to the knockout stage.
Group A Standings:
France: 3 points, +3 goal difference
New Zealand: 3 points, +1 goal difference
Guinea: 0 points, -1 goal difference
United States: 0 points, -3 goal difference
Up Next
The U.S. will take on New Zealand this Saturday in Marseille at 1:00 p.m. EST.
