Men's Soccer Team in Knockout Stage for 1st Time in 24 Years
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The United States men's soccer team has made history at the Paris Olympics, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time in 24 years. This monumental achievement came after a resounding 3-0 victory over Guinea on Tuesday. The last time the USMNT reached this stage was in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Striking Early and Often
Team USA opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a spectacular free kick by Djordje Mihailovic. The ball curved beautifully into the top left corner, leaving the goalkeeper no chance. Mihailovic's precision was a testament to his skill and set the tone for the match.
Paredes Puts on a Show
Kevin Paredes doubled the lead in the 31st minute with a swift move down the right flank. His powerful shot beat Guinea goalkeeper Soumaïla Sylla, adding to the U.S. tally. Paredes' celebration dance, a jubilant high-step, quickly became a highlight of the Olympics, possibly even surpassing Steph Curry's exuberant moves in the U.S. men's basketball team's win over Serbia.
Paredes Completes the Brace
In the 75th minute, Paredes secured his brace with a remarkable goal. He caught a long pass from Jack McGlynn, curled from the wing to the center of the field, and unleashed a left-footed shot into the top right corner of the net. This feat made Paredes the second USMNT player to score two goals in an Olympic match since Rick Davis in 1984 against Costa Rica.
Advancing with Authority
Team USA's journey through group play was marked by resilience. Despite a 3-0 loss to host country France in the opening match, the team bounced back with a 4-1 victory over New Zealand and the decisive win against Guinea. With a 2-0-1 record, the U.S. finished second in Group A, earning six points and a spot in the knockout stage.
Looking Ahead to Morocco
The United States will face Morocco in the quarterfinals, a match scheduled for 9 a.m. ET. This encounter promises to be a thrilling test of skill and strategy as the USMNT aims to continue its historic run in the Paris Olympics.
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