U.S. Olympic Men’s Soccer Team Falls 3-0 to Hosts France in Opening Match of 2024 Summer Games.

U.S. Olympic Men’s Soccer Team Falls 3-0 to Hosts France in Opening Match of 2024 Summer Games.

                    The U.S. Olympic Men’s Soccer Team faced a daunting challenge in their long-awaited return to the Olympic tournament, clashing with hosts France in their Group A opener. For an hour on Wednesday in Marseille, the Americans held their own against the formidable French side. However, inspired by veteran captain Alexandre Lacazette, France eventually prevailed with a 3-0 victory before a sellout crowd of 67,000 at the Stade Vélodrome.

The 2024 Olympic Men’s Soccer Tournament commenced two days before the Opening Ceremonies in Paris and marks the USA’s first appearance since 2008. After a 16-year absence, the American men returned to the Olympic stage, ready to face the competition head-on. Despite the grandeur of the setting and the formidable reputation of their opponents, the U.S. team demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline throughout the match.

First Half: A Strong Defensive Performance

In the opening half, the U.S. team showcased strong defensive efforts, effectively neutralising France’s attacks. Despite controlling possession, Les Bleus struggled to break through the American defence. The U.S. backline, anchored by overage players Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman, remained resolute, limiting France’s scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte was called into action in the 35th minute, making a crucial save to keep the game level.

Midfielders Tanner Tessmann and Gianluca Busio, both playing for newly-promoted Serie A side Venezia, were instrumental in disrupting France’s midfield play. Their efforts ensured that French playmaker Michael Olise had limited influence on the game. The U.S. created their best chance of the half in the 38th minute when Paxten Aaronson’s low shot was saved by French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.

Second Half: France Takes Control

The second half saw the match come to life, with both teams seeking to break the deadlock. The U.S. nearly took the lead in the 59th minute when Djordje Mihailovic’s long-range effort struck the crossbar. However, it was France who capitalised on their opportunities. Lacazette, the 33-year-old forward, found space in midfield and unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards, beating Schulte to give France the lead in the 61st minute.

The Americans responded with their best attacking spell of the game. In the 63rd minute, Aaronson’s header from a Kevin Paredes cross was saved by Restes, and John Tolkin’s header struck the post moments later. Despite their efforts, the U.S. couldn’t find the equaliser, and France soon doubled their lead.

France Seals the Victory

In the 69th minute, Olise received a pass from Lacazette on the edge of the U.S. penalty area. The Bayern Munich attacker curled a shot past Schulte to make it 2-0. The French side then put the game beyond reach in the 85th minute when centre back Loïc Badé headed home a corner from Joris Chotard, sealing a 3-0 victory for the hosts.

The U.S. had a late goal from substitute Griffin Yow disallowed for offside, but the final scoreline remained 3-0 in favour of France. Despite the defeat, the U.S. team showed promise and determination, suggesting they can still make an impact in the tournament.

Looking Ahead: Crucial Match Against New Zealand

The Olympic tournament features 16 nations divided into four groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarterfinals. In the other Group A match, New Zealand defeated Guinea 2-1. The U.S. will face New Zealand in a crucial match on Saturday, July 27 (1 p.m. ET; USA Network, Telemundo, Peacock), needing a positive result to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
Goal Scoring RundownFRA — Alexandre Lacazette (Michael Olise), 61st minute: Lacazette received a pass from Olise in midfield, held off U.S. midfielder Busio, and struck a low shot from 25 yards into the left-side netting.

FRA — Michael Olise (Alexandre Lacazette), 69th minute: Lacazette passed to Olise on the right edge of the U.S. penalty area. Olise beat Aaronson and curled a shot past Schulte.

FRA — Loïc Badé (Joris Chotard), 85th minute: Badé headed home Chotard’s corner kick, beating Robinson to score France’s third goal.
Additional NotesThe U.S. is now 0-1-0 against France all-time at the Olympics.
All 16 players made their Olympic debut.

The Olympic Men’s Soccer Tournament is restricted to players under 23, with an allowance for three overage players. The U.S. overage players were Mihailovic (25), Robinson (27), and Zimmerman (31).
Tessmann captained the squad, wearing the armband for the fifth time in eight games.
All starting players have played in Major League Soccer or developed in an MLS academy.
Match SummaryMatch: U.S. Men’s Olympic Soccer Team vs. France
Date: July 24, 2024
Competition: 2024 Olympics Men’s Soccer Tournament – Group A
Venue: Stade de Marseille, Marseille, France
Attendance: 67,000 (sold out)
Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET (9 p.m. local time)
Weather: 85 degrees, clear

Scoring Summary:
Team12FUSA 0 0 0
FRA 0 3 3
Goals:FRA – Alexandre Lacazette (Michael Olise), 61st minute
FRA – Michael Olise, 69th minute
FRA – Loïc Badé (Joris Chotard), 85th minute

Lineups:USA: Patrick Schulte; Nathan Harriel, Walker Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, John Tolkin; Gianluca Busio (Maximilian Dietz, 71’), Tanner Tessmann (Capt.), Djordje Mihailovic (Jack McGlynn, 76’); Paxten Aaronson (Griffin Yow, 76’), Duncan McGuire (Caleb Wiley, 86’), Kevin Paredes (Taylor Booth, 76’). Substitutes: Gaga Slonina, Benjamin Cremaschi. Head coach: Marko Mitrović.
FRA: Guillaume Restes; Kiliann Sildillia, Loïc Badé, Castello Lukeba, Adrien Truffert; Enzo Millot (Maghnes Akliouche, 71’), Manu Koné (Soungoutou Magassa, 87’), Michael Olise (Désiré Doué, 82’), Joris Chotard; Jean-Philippe Mateta (Arnaud Kalimuendo, 71’), Alexandre Lacazette. Substitutes: Obed Nkambadio, Bradley Locko, Rayan Cherki. Head coach: Thierry Henry.
Stats SummaryShots: USA 9 / FRA 10
Shots on Goal: USA 3 / FRA 4
Saves: USA 1 / FRA 3
Corner Kicks: USA 2 / FRA 8
Fouls: USA 10 / FRA 18
Offside: USA 4 / FRA 1
Misconduct Summary:FRA – Kiliann Sildillia (Caution) 17th minute
USA – Kevin Paredes (Caution) 37th minute
OfficialsReferee: Yael Falcon (ARG)
Assistant: Maximiliano Del Yesso (ARG)
Assistant 2: Facundo Rodriguez (ARG)
Fourth Official: Anahi Fernandez (URU)

The U.S. Olympic Men’s Soccer Team showed determination and spirit against a tough French side, and they’ll need to channel that energy as they prepare for their next crucial match against New Zealand.