The United States took on Guinea for their third match of Paris 2024. It was their final match of the group stage. The United states was coming off of a 4-1 victory over New Zealand. The United States came into this match in second place in Group B. Guinea lost their two matches. Guinea lost 0-1 to France in their last match. Guinea were last in Group B coming into this match. Bot teams were tied on matches played. The United States had the better record and goal differential.
This game was historic for the United States. They had the opportunity to advance to the knockout stage for the first time in the Olympics since 2000. There has not been a bigger match for the United States in a men’s competition since the 2022 FIFA World Cup. A win would give the United States six points. If the United States won and New Zealand lost, the United States would advance to the knockout stage. If the United States won and New Zealand won, it would come down to tie breakers. If the United States drew and New Zealand lost, the United States would advance. If the United States drew and New Zealand drew, it will come down to tie breakers. If the United States lost and New Zealand won or drew, New Zealand would advance. If the United States lost and New Zealand lost, it would come down to tie breakers between the United States, New Zealand, and Guinea.
This was a huge game for the United States. The historical significance put a lot of pressure on the United States. This would only be the fourth time overall that the United States has advance to the knockout stage in the men’s tournament at the Olympics if they advanced. Guinea can not be underestimated. They did hold France to one goal after majority of that game was tied. It was going to be interesting to see how this game played out. I was hoping the United State could build on an early lead that they sustain throughout the match.
The United States took the lead in the 14′ minute. Djordje Mihailovic scored from a free kick. Mihailovic took the kick from a few yards outside of the box. The kick was to the right of the goalie. He put it into the top corner of the net.
In the 31′ minute, the United States took a two goal lead. Kevin Paredes scored the goal. Paxten Aaronson got the assist. Aaronson got the ball through the Guinea back line. Paredes got the ball. He ran into the box. The keeper came out to challenge for the ball. Paredes kicked it into the back of the net.
In the 36′ minute Maximilian Dietz of the United States received a yellow card. In the 38′ minute Ousmane Camara of Guinea received a yellow card. The score was 2-0 United States at halftime.
The United States took a three goal lead in the 75′ minute. Kevin Paredes scored his second goal of the game. Jack McGlynn got the assist. McGlynn crossed the ball from well outside of the box to the other side of the field. Paredes got the ball and ran towards the center of the box. With time and space he took a shot that beat the keeper. The keeper was expecting a low shot but Paredes roofed it. The final score was 3-0 United States.
This is so exciting. After a slow start to the group stage the United States have clinched a spot to the knockout stage. This is unbelievable. After the first game it did not look like they would be able to rebound but here we are. France beat New Zealand so the United States are moving on. As far as this game goes, the United States had a job to do. They came in and did that job. They built on an early lead and were able to sustain that lead.
Guinea controlled 59% of the possession. The United States made their possessions count. Guinea had three more shots than the United States. The United States had three times as many shots on target than Guinea.
France has clinched group A after winning all three of their group stage matches. The United States will also be advancing after securing the second spot in the group with two wins. New Zealand finished third in the group. They have been eliminated after losing two out of three games. Guinea finished last in Group A with zero wins. They join the Dominican Republic, Uzbekistan, Mali, and Israel as teams without wins at Paris 2024. That is over double the amount of teams without a win from Tokyo 2020.
The United States take on Morocco in the quarterfinals. If the United States win that game, they will end up at least in the bronze medal match. That game will be on Friday, August 2nd, 2024. Kick off is scheduled for 6:00 am. That game will be at Parc des Princes in Paris, France.
Zac Electrifly 
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