Olympic Showdown: France Triumphs Over USA as 2024 Men's Soccer Kicks Off in Paris

Tue, Jul 30, 2024
by CapperTek

The 2024 Olympic Men's Soccer game between the USA and France on July 24, 2024, marked the opening of the tournament with an intense and memorable match. Held at the Orange Vélodrome, home to Ligue 1’s Olympique de Marseille, the game was a showcase of skill and determination, setting the tone for the rest of the competition.

Match Overview

France 3 - 0 USA

France, the host nation, came out strong and demonstrated their prowess with a dominant 3-0 victory over the USA. Alexandre Lacazette (61’), Michael Olise (69’) and Loïc Badé (85’) were the stars for France, each contributing a goal to secure the win. Lacazette opened the scoring in the 61st minute, with Olise adding the second goal just eight minutes later​ and then Badé closed things out in the closing minutes of the match.

Team Performances

France

France displayed a cohesive and strategic gameplay, with Lacazette leading the attack supported by Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta and substitutes Arnaud Kalimuendo and Maghnes Akliouche. others. Their defence was astounding as well, effectively neutralizing the USA's attempts and dominating time of possession 52.9% to the USA’s 47.1%. Key players included:

●     Alexandre Lacazette - His experience and sharp finishing were pivotal.

●     Michael Olise - Not only did he score, but his assist for Lacazette's goal highlighted his playmaking ability.

●     Enzo Millot and Jean-Philippe Mateta - Both were instrumental in maintaining pressure on the USA defence.

France's performance was marked by their tactical discipline and ability to capitalize on key moments, a hallmark of a team with serious medal aspirations.

USA

The USA team, playing in their first Olympic tournament since 2008, showed potential but struggled to break through France's defences. Despite the loss, several players stood out:

●     Paxten Aaronson - Showed flashes of creativity in the midfield.

●     Djordje Mihailovic - Worked tirelessly but was unable to convert opportunities into goals.

●     Gianluca Busio - His midfield presence was crucial, though he found it challenging against France's experienced players.

The USA will need to regroup quickly and improve their finishing if they hope to advance in the tournament.

Remaining Schedules

USA

●     July 27 vs. New Zealand: Orange Vélodrome, Marseille

●     July 30 vs. Guinea: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, St. Etienne

The USA will need strong performances in these matches to advance from Group A.

France

●     July 27 vs. Guinea: Stade de Nice, Nice

●     July 30 vs. New Zealand: Orange Vélodrome, Marseille

France, with a victory already in hand, will look to continue their winning streak and secure top position in the group.

Top Teams to Watch

Outside of Group A, the 2024 Olympic Men's Soccer tournament features several strong contenders. Aside from France, here are three of the top betting favourites to win the event: 

1. Spain

Spain's rich history in international soccer continues with their 2024 Olympic squad, which combines the finesse of young stars with the tactical intelligence of seasoned professionals. Players like Abel Ruiz and Diego López are expected to lead the charge, bringing creativity and flair to the Spanish attack. Spain's meticulous approach to the game, focusing on possession and intricate passing, often overwhelms their opponents. This strategy has consistently brought them success on the international stage, and their deep squad depth ensures they can handle the physical and tactical demands of the tournament​.

2. Argentina

Argentina's Olympic team is known for its attacking flair and creative play, driven by emerging stars like Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada. The Argentine squad emphasizes quick, offensive transitions and dynamic playmaking, making them a constant threat in the final third. Their defensive stability, coupled with an aggressive midfield, allows them to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. Argentina's historical success in youth competitions, including their past Olympic triumphs, bolsters their reputation as a formidable opponent​.

3. Japan

Japan's 2024 Olympic squad showcases a blend of technical skill and relentless work ethic. Led by players such as Kein Sato and Yu Hirakawa, Japan's game plan focuses on quick, precise passing and high-tempo play. Their disciplined approach, combined with a strong defensive setup, allows them to neutralize stronger opponents and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Japan's recent success in international youth tournaments and with them being in a week Group F sees them as a potential dark horse for savvy sports bettors.

Betting Tips for the 2024 Olympic Men's Soccer Event

With the Olympics officially underway, sports fans are turning to online sportsbooks to see how they can potentially profit from their knowledge of the game. These tips can help you navigate the betting landscape of the 2024 Olympic Men's Soccer event, increasing your chances of making informed and successful bets.

●     Focus on the Favorites - Betting on Spain, France, and Argentina, especially in the group stages, can be a safer bet given their historical performance and squad strength​​.

●     Bet on Group Winners - Betting on who will top their groups can offer good odds. France, Spain, Argentina and Japan are each heavily favoured to win their respective groups.

●     In-Play Betting Opportunities - Utilize live betting with sports betting apps to capitalize on changing match dynamics. Teams like Spain, known for their strategic play, may start slow but finish strong, offering good in-play betting opportunities​.

●     Underdog Bets - Consider placing small bets on well-organized teams like Morocco and New Zealand, who have the potential to upset stronger teams with their disciplined play​.

Final Thoughts

The opening match between the USA and France has set the stage for an exciting 2024 Olympic Men's Soccer tournament. While France's victory highlights its potential, the USA still has opportunities to advance. Soccer fans and bettors around the world will be eagerly watching the upcoming matches, anticipating thrilling performances and memorable moments.