Paris Olympics 2024: France, USA conclude group stage fixtures on a high

Paris Olympics 2024: France, USA conclude group stage fixtures on a high

Eric Munene 22:24 - 30.07.2024

Guinea and New Zealand are both eliminated.

France, New Zealand, USA and Guinea were in action at the final group stage match at the Olympic 2024 men's football games.

France took on New Zealand at the Orange Velodrome, Marseille, France. In this match France made it 3 out of 3 games completing a flawless run.

Coach Thierry Henry made nine changes to his lineup, but the team remained formidable.

Rayan Cherki was instrumental, setting up Jean-Philippe Mateta for the opening goal in the 18th minute.

Despite New Zealand's efforts, including blocked shots from Ben Waine and Sarpreet Singh, France maintained their lead.

The second half saw France regain their rhythm, with Désiré Doué scoring the second goal after a clever pass from Andy Diouf.

Kalimuendo later added a third to wrap up the game. France, undefeated in eight matches, will face Argentina next, while New Zealand's campaign ends with two defeats and a missed chance for a late consolation goal.

The United States advanced to the quarter-finals as Group A runners-up, overcoming Guinea with a convincing 3-0 win.

The match, played in front of an enthusiastic crowd, saw the Americans take control early.

Colorado Rapids’ Đorđe Mihailović opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick just 15 minutes in, curling the ball into the top corner.

Guinea's attempts to respond were thwarted by the U.S. defense, and on the half-hour mark, Paxten Aaronson played a precise pass to Kevin Paredes, who coolly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Soumaila Sylia to double the lead.

Paredes added a third in the 75th minute with a powerful shot from the right, sealing Guinea’s fate and confirming their exit after three straight losses.

The U.S. now prepares to face Group B winners Morocco in the quarter-finals.