The United States took on New Zealand for their second match of Paris 2024. The United states was coming off of a 0-3 loss to France. The United States came into this match in last place in Group B. New Zealand won their first match. New Zealand beat Guinea 2-1. New Zealand was second in Group B coming into this match. Both teams were tied on matches played. New Zealand had a better record and goal differential heading into the match. The United States had to win this match to stay alive in the tournament. The United States had to win by four or more goals to pass New Zealand in goal differential.
I was not confident in the United States. They had a stronger opponent in France but still played poorly. They had a lot to work on. Defensively they were not there. Offensively they were unlucky. The United states needed to be stronger. They needed to be better on offense. There were major issues in the first game that did not seem like they could be fixed in the short time before game two. There was not a lot of positive takeaways. That was concerning going into game two.
The United States scored the opening goal of the game in the 8′ minute. Djordje Mihailovic scored on a penalty. His goal was the first goal for the United States men at the Olympics since August 13th, 2008 in Beijing 2008.
In the 12′ minute, the United States took a two goal lead. Walker Zimmerman scored the goal. Djordje Mihailovic got the assist. The ball was kicked in from a free kick well outside and away from the box. The free kick was to the left of the goal keeper. The ball was lobbed into the box. It was headed towards the goal. Mihailovic took a shot that was saved. Zimmerman put in the rebound.
In the 30′ minute the United States scored again. This goal gave them a three goal lead. Gianluca Busio scored the goal. It was unassisted. The ball was passed across the box. The United States player turned and ran towards the center of the box. He was tackled. Busio got the ball. His initial shot was blocked. He got his own rebound and scored. This was the first time in the Olympics that the United States men have scored three or more goals in a match since September 19th, 2000 against Kuwait.
The United States would receive a yellow card in extra time of the first half. The scored was 3-0 United States at halftime.
In the 58′ minute, the United States added to their lead. Paxten Aaronson scored to put the United States up by four goals. Griffin Yow got the assist. Yow ran down the field and into the box. He was to the right of the keeper. Just before running out on the goal line he passed the ball back to Aaronson, Aaronson was under pressure from two defenders but still able to get a shot off. His shot found the back of the net. This was the first time the United States men scored four goals at the Olympics. The last time the United States men were involved in an Olympic match where one side scored four or more goals on September 22nd, 1988 Against the Soviet Union.
In the 65′ minute, New Zealand were awarded a yellow card. New Zealand scored in the 78′ minute. Jesse Randall scored the goal. Matthew Garbett got the assist. The final score was 4-1 United States. Japan are the only men’s team in Paris 2024 who has scored more goals in a single match.
This was a strong showing from the United States. While their forward line was coming back a lot, they didn’t let New Zealand take advantage of that. The United States seem more confident. They looked like there was more individual efforts to get the ball out of the defensive zone than players looking around for a pass. The finishing was good in this game. The United States were able to get close to the New Zealand net and finish. They did a far better job in this game of finishing chances. They seemed to have better awareness in this game. They were making better decisions in and around the box in this game. This will be a huge confidence booster going into the final game of the group stage. As of writing this France and Guinea are tied at 0-0 at halftime. As things stand, the final games of the group stage will determine who advances in Group A.
The United States controlled 51% of the possession. The United States had nine more shots than New Zealand. Both teams had revived one yellow card. The standout state of course being that this is the first time the United States have scored four or more goals in an Olympic men’s soccer match.
As things stand, France is in the top spot in Group A. The United states and New Zealand are tied for the second spot. Guinea are last in the group. With a win France in their current match and a win or draw in their final match, France will advance. If France win their current match and lose their final and the United Sates lose their final match, France will advance. If France win their current match and lose their final match and the United States wins their final match, it will come down to tie breakers. I France draw their current match, they would need the United states to lose to advance. If France loses their current match, they would need to win or draw their final match to have a chance to advance. If the United States win their final match, they would need New Zealand to lose or draw to advance. If the United States draw their final match and New Zealand draw their final match, it will come down to tie breakers. If the United States draw their final match, New Zealand lose or draw their final match, and Guinea win their current match, it will come down to tie breakers. If the United States lose their final match, New Zealand would have to lose their final match for it to come down to tiebreakers. With a win in their current match, Guinea would need a win or draw in final match to stay alive. If Guinea lose their current match, they would need a win in their final match with New Zealand losing for it to come to tie breakers. Guinea will likely need a win or draw in their final game to stay alive at all.
The United States take on Guinea for their final game of the group stage. That game will be on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024. Kick off is scheduled for 10:00 PM. That game will be at Geoffroy-Guichard in St-Etienne, France.
Zac Electrifly 
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