After the tragic defeat to France in the opening match of the Paris Olympics, coach Marko Mitrović remained confident in the squad and fielded the same team as in the opening match. It was no different. The USA Men's Olympic Football Team scored three goals in 30 minutes in a crushing 4-1 victory over New Zealand at the Stade Vélodrome. The result is extremely important, as it keeps the flames of hope burning for qualification to the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament.
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History began to be written in the very first minutes. Djordje Mihailovic, one of the most experienced players in the squad, opened the scoring in the eighth minute from the penalty spot, after Nathan Harriel was brought down in the box. This early lead gave the team confidence, and they didn't take their foot off the gas. Four minutes later, Mihailovic took a free-kick expertly, resulting in a scramble in the box that culminated in Walker Zimmerman pushing the ball into the back of the net.
The USA's intensity continued as a neat move down the left ended with Gianluca Busio adding to the score. New Zealand, stunned, were unable to react, and the first half ended with a solid lead for the Americans.
In the second half, the USA kept up the pace and, in the 58th minute, Paxten Aaronson, who had just come on, scored the fourth goal after a fine move by Griffin Yow. At this point, the win was already secured, but there was still time for New Zealand to score their own goal through Jesse Randall in the 78th minute. However, this goal was just a detail in a match dominated by the Americans.
This historic victory is the first for the US men at the Olympics since 2008, and marks the first time that the men's team has scored four goals in an Olympic match. The result couldn't have come at a better time, as it keeps the flames of hope burning. The next challenge will be against Guinea, and the Americans will take to the field with renewed confidence.
It's important to stress the importance of Marko Mitrović's management of the squad. Sticking with the same lineup after a defeat might seem risky, but the coach showed that he trusts his players, and that trust was rewarded. The substitutions were also precise, with players like Aaronson and Yow coming on and making a difference.
As Paxten Aaronson said after the game, it takes confidence to move forward: “I think that's the best way to put it. You control your own destiny and everyone in the dressing room believes in ourselves, believes in this group. We just have to get the job done.
Now the USA face a crucial challenge against Guinea. The win against New Zealand has given them some much-needed confidence, but they need to keep their feet on the ground and keep working hard. If they can repeat the intensity and efficiency they showed in Marseille, qualification for the quarter-finals will be a reality.