Key Events
In the 58th minute, USA U23 had a free-kick opportunity in the front area which was cleared by the defenders. The ball came to Mihailovich who tried a long-range shot from outside the box. The ball hit the crossbar and bounced out.
In the 61st minute, France U23 broke the deadlock. Captain Lacazette made an adjustment at the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful low drive aimed at the far corner. The goalkeeper made a diving attempt but could not prevent the ball from finding the net. France U23 1-0 USA U23.
In the 69th minute, France U23 extended their lead. Lacazette drew defenders near the penalty area and passed the ball to Olise, who adjusted his position and curled a shot into the far corner, scoring a stunning world-class goal. France U23 2-0 USA U23.
In the 85th minute, France U23 secured their victory. Jouathard delivered a corner kick, and center-back Bard headed the ball towards the top corner of the goal. France U23 3-0 USA U23.
Match Report
At 3:00 AM on July 25, in the first round of Group A in the Olympic men’s football tournament, host nation France U23 faced off against USA U23 at the Stade Vélodrome.
In the 11th minute, USA U23 delivered a corner kick to the front post where Robinson, unmarked, leaped high to head the ball, but it went just wide of the goal.
In the 20th minute, USA U23 had an attacking opportunity with Aaronson taking a shot from just outside the penalty area, but it was blocked by a defender.
In the 24th minute, France U23 completed their first shot of the match. Bard attempted a long-range shot from distance, but the ball sailed over the crossbar.
In the 27th minute, Koné completed a brilliant dribble near the penalty area and took a shot, but the ball was deflected by teammate Olise.
In the 35th minute, Koné attempted a low long-range shot, which was on target but was saved by the goalkeeper diving to his side.
In the 38th minute, USA U23 had a counterattack opportunity with Aaronson cutting inside and firing a sudden shot, but it was brilliantly saved by France U23’s goalkeeper Restus with his foot.
In the 45th minute, Mateta took a long-range shot from the top of the arc, but it went just wide of the goal.
In the 64th minute, France U23’s goalkeeper Restus made two incredible saves to keep the goal intact. Pareedes delivered a cross from the right flank. Aaronson’s header was saved by Restus diving, and then Pareedes crossed again. Tokin, unmarked at the back post, had a close-range shot that was also saved by Restus.
In the 90+1 minute, USA U23 had a free-kick opportunity in the front area. McClean delivered the ball into the penalty area, and Harriel’s header went just wide.
In the 90+3 minute, You scored from a tight angle, but it was ruled offside, invalidating the goal.
There were no further goals, and the match ended with the host nation France U23 defeating USA U23 3-0, securing a strong start to the tournament.
Player Lineups
France U23 starting lineup: 16-Restus; 3-Truffert; 4-Bard; 2-Lukamba; 5-Sidibé; 6-Koné; 12-Milat; 7-Olise; 13-Jouathard; 10-Lacazette; 14-Mateta; Substitutes: 1-Engombe; 15-Lock; 18-Cherki; 8-Akliouch; 11-Douai; 17-Magassa; 9-Muinga;
USA U23 starting lineup: 1-Schulz; 3-Zimmerman; 12-Robinson; 5-Tokin; 2-Harriel; 14-Mihailovich; 6-Busio; 8-Tesman; 7-Pareedes; 11-Aaronson; 13-McGuire; Substitutes: 18-Slonina; 4-Deetz; 17-Wiley; 16-McClean; 15-Cremaschi; 10-Bush; 9-You;