Michael Olise hit the net as hosts France began their campaign for Olympic glory with a 3-0 victory over the United States.
After a slow start the sides were evenly matched for much of the game but France were able to hit the net, while Team USA narrowly missed out.
Just before France’s opener through skipper Alexandre Lacazette’s 20-yard low drive, Djordje Mihailovic hit an unstoppable shot from 25 yards which flicked off the bar.
After going behind, it took a good save from Guillaume Restes to deny Paxten Aaronson and then John Tolkin headed against the post.
An archetypal strike from Olise curling unstoppably inside the post, albeit with a slight deflection, put the game beyond doubt and then Loic Bade’s header put a little unfair gloss on the scoreline.
Talking Point – Holders make their mark
France were undoubtedly fortunate, with America the width of the woodwork away from scoring in the minutes before and after Lacazette’s opener but, on a day of upsets, Les Bleus more than showed the capability to stand on top of the podium at tournament’s end.
‘As clean as a whistle’ – USA’s Mihailovic strikes crossbar against France
A spine of Loic Bade, Manu Kane, Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette is as strong as any in the competition and in the second half they showed the style of football Henry will have wanted and some potency on the break.
They can now relax, pretty sure they will comfortably qualify for the quarter-final and with the shock of Argentina losing to Morocco, they may well now face the world champions on August 2.
‘What a strike’ – Lacazette gives France lead against USA with stylish finish
Player of the Match – Manu Kone (France)
There were a number of good performers on either side, but Kone was better over the course of the game than the rest. He was clearly the top midfielder on show, driving his side forward and being a key figure in their success.
Player Ratings
France: Restes 7; Sildillia 6, Bade 8, Lukeba 6, Truffert 7; Chotard 6, Kone 8*, Millot 6; Olise 7; Lacazette 7, Mateta 6.
Subs: Akliouche 6, Kalimuendo 6, Doue 6
USA: Schulte 6; Harriel 7, Tolkin 7, Zimmerman 7, Robinson 6; Busio 6, Tessmann 6, Mihailovic 7; Aaronson 7, Paredes 7; McGuire 6.
Subs: Dietz 6, Yow 7, Booth 7.
France double their lead through Olise’s wonderful curled strike
Match Highlights
59′ Off the bar! Mihailovic launches an incredible rocket from 25 yards which clips the bar with the French keeper only able to stand and watch.
61′ GOAL! France (Lacazette) 1-0 USA! The former Arsenal striker was given space 25 yards from goal and he launches a low strike which beat Schulte and snuck inside the bottom right corner.
64′ USA close to getting back level! Aaronsen snuck in to meet Paredes’ cross from the right flank with a header but Restes pushed clear.
65′ Off the Post! Another ball from the right this time reaches the back of the six-yard box where Tolkin heads against the foot of the post.
69′ GOAL! France (Olise) 2-0 USA! The new Bayern Munich man scores the kind of goal he has put away for Palace over the last couple of years. Taking the ball just outside the penalty area he turned on his left foot and curled an effort just inside the corner of the USA net. It took a slight deflection but it didn’t seem to change the flight too much.
85′ GOAL! France (Bade) 3-0 USA! The central defender meets the corner with a bullet header leaving the American goalkeeper with no chance.
90+4′ Goal ruled out! Fine control from a long diagonal and neat finish from Yow but his effort was disallowed for offside.
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Eurosport.co.uk – https://www.eurosport.com/football/olympic-games-paris-2024/2024/france-3-0-usa-alexandre-lacazette-and-michael-olise-stunners-help-les-bleus-to-opening-2024-paris-o_sto10248926/story.shtml
