2024 Olympics
U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Returns to Olympics with 3-0 Loss to France
MARSEILLE, France – The U.S. men's soccer team made a long-awaited return to the Olympic stage on Wednesday, facing a formidable French squad in their opening match of the 2024 Summer Games. Despite a valiant effort, the Americans were handed a 3-0 defeat by the host nation at the Stade Vélodrome, marking a challenging start to their Olympic campaign.
The match, which took place before a sellout crowd of 67,000, was the U.S. team's first Olympic appearance since 2008, ending a 16-year absence from the tournament. For the first hour, the American squad held their own against a French team brimming with talent and expectations. However, the floodgates opened in the second half, leading to a decisive victory for France.
A Promising Start
The U.S. team, led by Serbian-born coach Marko Mitrovic, entered the match with a mix of promising young players and seasoned veterans. The squad included over-age players such as center backs Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson, as well as midfielder Djordje Mihailovic. The team also featured European-based talents like Wolfsburg winger Kevin Paredes and Venezia midfielders Tanner Tessmann and Gianluca Busio.
From the outset, the Americans demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline. They managed to keep the French at bay for much of the first half, with goalkeeper Patrick Schulte making crucial saves and the defense effectively neutralizing France's attacking threats. The U.S. even came close to taking the lead when Paxten Aaronson's low shot was kicked away by French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes.
The Turning Point
The match's turning point came shortly after the hour mark. In the 61st minute, French captain Alexandre Lacazette, one of the team's over-age players, broke the deadlock with a powerful low shot from 25 yards out, beating Schulte and sending the home crowd into a frenzy. Lacazette, a seasoned forward with experience in both the Premier League and Ligue 1, showcased his class and composure in front of goal.
Just eight minutes later, Lacazette turned provider, setting up Michael Olise for France's second goal. Olise, a 22-year-old playmaker who recently joined Bayern Munich, curled a shot past Schulte to double the lead. The U.S. defense, which had held firm for so long, began to show signs of strain under the relentless French pressure.
The final blow came in the 85th minute when Loïc Badé headed in a corner from Joris Chotard, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory for France. The goal capped off a dominant second-half performance by the hosts, who are widely considered favorites for the gold medal in this tournament.
A Learning Experience
Despite the disappointing result, U.S. coach Marko Mitrovic remained optimistic about his team's prospects. "I don't think it was a fair result," Mitrovic said. "We didn't deserve to lose this way, but we have to learn our lesson." His sentiments were echoed by midfielder Gianluca Busio, who acknowledged the team's lapse in concentration. "We know that in tournaments like these you can't lose concentration, and I think that's what happened," Busio said.
The U.S. team now faces a crucial match against New Zealand on Saturday, followed by a game against Guinea in Saint-Etienne on Tuesday. With New Zealand having won their opener against Guinea, the Americans will need a positive result to keep their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages alive.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. men's soccer team's return to the Olympics, despite the initial setback, represents a significant milestone for the program. The young squad, blending emerging talents with experienced players, aims to gain valuable experience and build towards future successes. As the tournament progresses, the team will look to regroup and demonstrate their potential on the international stage.
For France, the victory was a statement of intent. Coached by former superstar Thierry Henry, the French team is aiming for nothing less than a medal on home soil. The win against the U.S. has set a positive tone for their campaign, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
As the 2024 Summer Games continue, the U.S. men's soccer team remains focused on their journey, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.