U.S. men's soccer blanks Guinea, into Olympic quarters for first time since 2000

Field Level Media|published: Tue 30th July, 17:27 2024

Djordje Mihailovic of United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against New Zealand in a Group A match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Orange Velodrome. Mandatory Credit: Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters via USA TODAY Sports

PARIS -- The United States defeated Guinea 3-0 on Tuesday to stick around Paris for a while longer, advancing past the Olympic group stage for the first time since 2000.

Host France also secured a place in the quarterfinals with a 3-0 win over New Zealand that put them atop Group A.

The U.S. go through to the last eight in second place after a strike from Djordje Mihailovic and a double by Kevin Paredes earned them victory in St Etienne.

At an almost empty Geoffroy-Guichard stadium, U.S. midfielder Mihailovic opened the scoring in the 14th minute by sending a brilliant free kick into the top left corner.

Paredes made it 2-0 off Paxten Aaronson's great through ball in the 31st and got his second 15 minutes from time.

The U.S will meet Morocco at Parc des Princes in Paris.

France, coming off two wins, only needed a draw to reach the last 16, but goals by skipper Jean-Philippe Mateta, Desire Doue and Arnaud Kalimuendo made it a perfect first round.

The 27-year-old Mateta grabbed the lead for France, taking advantage of New Zealand's poor defending in the 19th minute.

Doue added another in the 71st after a neat passing move, before Kalimuendo's low shot sealed the win three minutes later.

Thierry Henry's side next face Argentina in Lyon on Friday.

--Reuters, Special to Field Level Media

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