The United States men’s national struck France’s goalframe twice but ultimately fell short against the hosts with a 3-0 defeat in their group stage opener of the 2024 Olympics on Wednesday.
USA vs France highlights Olympics
In the first half the USMNT went toe-to-toe with a heavily favored France side led by the legendary Thierry Henry. While France had more possession, the USA’s defense held firm with overage center backs Walker Zimmerman and Miles Robinson frustrating the French attack.
Paxten Aaronson had the best look for the USMNT in the first half with a shot inside the box saved by the foot of the goalkeeper.
¡CEEEERCA ESTADOS UNIDOS!
El arquero francés se lució con una atajada y salva a su selecciónPeacock ➡️ https://t.co/NN6zUAXQ0F
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/QPhxH8Mva5#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/70mUjLYYfv— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 24, 2024
In the second half the USA looked brighter going forward and were causing problems in front of France’s goal.
Djordje Mihailovic gave the French a real scare when he rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort from distance.
Unfortunately for the Americans, France’s biggest stars showed their class with two long-distance strikes just several minutes apart.
Former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring in the 61st minute. The 33-year-old was given too much space outside the USA’s box and lasered in an effort into the bottom corner of the goal.
¡GOLAZOOOOO DE FRANCIA! ¡LE PEGÓ DE FUERA DEL ÁREA!
Alexandre Lacazette abre el marcador para los franceses ⚽️Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/NN6zUAYnQd
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/QPhxH8N2ZD#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/O8Tkl9t9qO— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 24, 2024
The USA responded well to going down with two massive opportunities. First was an Aaronson header from close range that again forced a quick save.
Defender John Tolkin then squandered the Americans’ best chance of the game when he was wide open for a header at the back post and fired his chance off the woodwork.
France punished the USA’s failed chances as Bayern Munich’s new star signing Michael Olise doubled the lead with a stellar finish.
¡OLISEEEEEE!
Michael Olise sorprende a todos con un GOLAZO y aumenta la ventaja ⚽️Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/NN6zUAXQ0F
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/QPhxH8Mva5#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/VhQb86HDsx— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 24, 2024
Henry’s side put the nail in the coffin with a third from a corner kick as Sevilla’s Loïc Badé scored in the 85th minute.
¡YA ES GOLEADA FRANCESA!
Loïc Badé marca de cabeza en un tiro de esquina y aumenta la ventaja ⚽️Peacock ➡️ https://t.co/NN6zUAXQ0F
Telemundo APP ➡️ https://t.co/QPhxH8Mva5#OlimpicosTelemundo #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/8FUHV3azVW— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 24, 2024
The three-goal defeat for the USA puts them in a hole and bottom of Group A as New Zealand defeated Guinea earlier on Wednesday.
Goal difference will be a major factor in getting out of the group and the USMNT’s job won’t be easy starting with negative three. Up next for the USA will be a must-win game against New Zealand on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.
USA vs France full highlights
