Led by its devastating wingers, the U.S. Men’s Olympic team officially booked a ticket to the knockout stages of an Olympic tournament for the first time in 24 years.
Kevin Paredes scored twice while Djordje Mihailovic also added a sensational free kick goal in a 3-0 group stage finale victory over Guinea. The result now sets the Americans up for a quarterfinal clash with Morocco on Friday.
Head coach Marko Mitrović deviated slightly from his starting XI in the first two matches with the forced change of Maximilian Dietz in for the injured Gianluca Busio in midfield. Griffin Yow also got the nod over striker Duncan McGuire in the front line.
Tactically, Dietz played the single pivot, pushing Tanner Tessmann into the No. 8 role where he thrived as much as he has in his defensive midfield position. Yow took up the left-winger position with Paxten Aaronson moving inside into a false-nine role.
Within thirteen minutes of kickoff, Yow had his lone shot saved spectacularly while also assisting on two saved shots, and drawing two fouls. Suffice it to say, he was active.
The second drawn foul came just a few yards outside the box and began the U.S. party.
Set-piece specialist, Mihailovic, expertly placed his shot into the top corner with one of the best free-kicks you will ever see. Imagining a small cardboard box taped onto the intersection of the post and crossbar, the ball would’ve nestled in nicely. It’s no surprise some are beginning to call him the American James Ward-Prowse.
Then, it was Yow’s opposite winger Paredes taking over the match, drawing two fouls and assisting two saved shots — including one requiring another big save on Yow’s subsequent volley — before finally hitting the back of the net himself on a beautifully worked counterattack from the U.S.
The winger pair would continue to wreak havoc on Guinea’s defense throughout the first half and take the 2-0 lead into halftime.
Among the second-half USMNT substitutes was midfielder Jack McGlynn, who made his impact known by creating multiple shooting opportunities for the U.S. Eventually, McGlynn found the assist he deserved, setting up Paredes’ brace with an elegant pinged crossfield pass. The Wolfsburg winger took the pass down with a sumptuous outside-of-the-boot control, cut inside, and blasted home his second goal of the game.
Guinea would continue pushing for a consolation goal as the USMNT saw out the clean sheet for their first-ever Olympic victory over an African opponent.
Perhaps that record can serve as a good omen for the team as they enter the knockout rounds against Morocco, another African opponent. The match is slated for 9 am E.T. at the historic Parc des Princes.
Several things are clear about this team. The three over aged players were purposefully chosen. The center back pairing was a very deft move, and if USA medals in this Olympics, those two players will be as big a reason as any. . Djordje’s inclusion becomes more right with each passing game
Shout out to some academy programs along the 95 corridor, along with Atlanta and Dallas. Philly union have an amazing youth program, and all DCU fans are super proud of our former players, who look to be increasing their stock, with each passing game..
Tournament play is simple. You play the group stage to advance to the knockout round. Doesn’t matter what it looks like, as long as you advance, and you play the knockout round games not to lose. It’s a hard pill to swallow for a lot of nations and their fan base, who might want attractive soccer. These differences are best defined by two nations, Italy, and holland. One of them has four world cups along with several euros. The other has been known for playing the worlds most attractive style, but with only one piece of silverware to show for it, and that was almost 40 years ago, before a lot of you kids were even born.
great post, down with all of it
Chelsea sign Jorgensen the starting Keeper from Villarreal. Slonina needs to seek a permanent transfer away. He isnt going to be a Chelsea Keeper.
Was Guinea an actual threat? We had the better athletes. We were supposed to win & advanced. Let’s not carried away with games the USA wins when they are the favorites. You don’t give people pats on the back for paying their bills. The Kiwis had more resistance. Morocco up next…
Guinea was narrowly beaten by both France and New Zealand. So yes they were supposed to be a threat. We handled them easily. I think this team has come together since the France loss. Now they come up against a team in Morocco that looks to be a real threat. And Morocco will have the fanbase it will be hostile just like against France. It will be a fight and I hope they come out and punch Morocco in the face with early pressure and high intensity with skill. Time to just play the game and let Morocco know that it’s going to be a hard fought game. Knock out soccer in the Olympics. I’m ready to believe this team can accomplish something. USA, USA, USA! God bless this team!
Ex-Liverpool and team captain Naby Keita was a very late game-day scratch. I expected more from them. The US sat back in the 2nd half. Schulte commanded his area very well but wasn’t really tested until injury time.
Actually these days, in this economy, if you can pay your bills, give yourself a huge pat on the back and do so for others who can too. Just sayin’, it’s tough out there.
I’d say this has been a fun ride so far, I’m curious what the collective SBI thoughts are on who realistically has a chance at being part of the 26 squad.
To me, and I haven’t watched as much as I used to, see Paredes as a real possibility if he continues on his current path as someone who could challenge for the spot behind Weah.
I think he’s got the chops for it
Behind Weah? If Weah goes another year riding the pine it won’t be a challenge. I think Pax,Yow, Paredes, Tolkin, Schulte, Z-man, Tessman, Busio all have strong cases to be in the mix going forward. And I also really like the look of Dietz.
Thats 9 of 26 spots, you really think there’d be that much turnover in 2 years? We still have a young A squad.
2Tone-
We do, in spots. We’re thin at keeper, at centerback, and on the wing. Once you get past Ream and Richards we still don’t have much at CB, and Ream isn’t just slow and small he’s also 36, and Richards is talented but seems to have at least one major gaffe a game. Gregg tried very hard to move past Zimmerman; the next coach may not be able to. We have nothing behind Turner at keeper, who is a very good shot-stopper and a liability with the ball at his feet, and I think Schulte’s almost a lock at this point to at least roster with the seniors. And nobody has really locked down a wing spot past Pulisic and Weah…and Weah was the single biggest reason we crashed out of Copa America. Stuff like that tends to linger.
Also consider that the USA is going to be looking for a new coach, who I personally very much hope is Wilfried Nancy, who plays a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, but it could also be Patrick Viera, who does favor the 4-3-3 but is also known to scorch the paint off players and will not allow anyone to get comfortable. Regardless, any new coach we bring in is going to shake things up, and that’s always to the benefit of new guys looking to break in.
Q: Weah was also one of our brightest players during WC Qualifying and the WC itself. If he was prone to the kind of actions he displayed in Copa America that’d be one thing but to think he’s somehow should be or will be punished doesn’t seem right since he’s one of the calmest heads in the pool.
hey Bac,
how about Yow, Paredes, Schulte, Zimmermann, and maybe Harriel as depth at FB/WB?
I like McGlynn but idk how he’d be at that level and where he’d get minutes
I can’t remember a more fun to watch U.S. side. These kids have skills and most importantly they have understanding and fluidity. Despite the result, I was impressed by their showing against France, and not surprised they have put together two solid wins. Yow, Paredes and Tolkin are turning some heads I’m sure. And can Shulte be an answer for our suddenly shallow keeper pool? He’s been impressive.
That front three is dynamic. Paredes was excellent, Yow was a menace and Aaronson has shown how well he can play a false 9 and his passing and ability to beat people off the dribble hasany excited about his playmaking abilities especially as a potential CAM. All three look ready to move up to the USMNT.
Tessman excellent again showing why he is deserving of the continued bigger teams in Serie A looking to snap him up.
Tolkin is just so good defensively and has the pace and ability to get forward.
Harriel has grown in this tournament will be watching his continued progression at RB.
Schulte has bounced back very well.
I know I will get hate, but Zimmerman needs ro be back in the USMNT. Guy is just a rock defensively. Yes he has his limitations with his passing, but he id a rock and his communication across the back 4 is the best we have at CB.
Also looking forward to Booth and Paxten playing together for Utrecht this season.
I don’t think you’re gonna get hate for Zim, he’s looked more mature and comfortable than Miles, who was # 3 or 4 on the previous depth chart, and our CBs haven’t given us a collective yeehaw..
So I don’t think your enthusiasm for Zim is misplaced at all, he should get another look at the minimum
tip of the cap, this ride has been super fun so far
this team is breaking some droughts
very fun to watch in attack but also tactical and tough defensively
lots of talented players with skills to go with them. what a free kick
Morocco game could be pretty darn physical seems to me, hope the ref crew we get wants to manage that well
tip of the cap to the Coaches, Players and Staff
Agreed, I was actually pleasantly surprised the first 60 minutes vs France as Henry even pointed out. I really like the bounce back even though NZ was overmatched, a few finishing chances aside I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen.
I don’t know enough to predict how the #9 spot plays out, and regret losing Busio, but I’ve enjoyed and been pleasantly surprised with the group stage
pleasantly surprised, me too man
Yeah I haven’t watched as much of the young uns as I did 10+ years ago even though there’s more TV exposure, Yow and Paredes I think you guys are right, it’s been a long time since there was more than one young skill guy to get excited about at the same time. Probably all the way back to the young Landon and Beasley
Excellent game plan. Excellent line up. Glad Yow got in the act!
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Kid is on another level. His speed, toughness to “ride the tackle” and continue his attacking aggression puts the defense on edge.
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Kevin in the other hand is a different kind of winger too. He just has this way of “baiting” the defender into dumb-ticky-tack fouls that put them in card danger. His goals were well deserved and the product of dangerous movement, good running and calm and sure finishing. If he keeps this up, Weah will need to look over his shoulder.
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LB Tolkien is making a case as well. Kid has got toughness and tackling and tactical awareness. I saw him pinch in in the box to help on cross clean up multiple times literally sweeping up scraps to keep the opposing team from having a chance. Well done in the 1v1 opps too!
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Last shout out is for Schulte. Did communicates well and organizes his back line very well. The trio of Miles, Walker and Patrick have been a very solid yet underrated part of our last two games goi g do well. Excellent work through the spine including Tessman, Atencio, Dietz and Jack Mc!
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On to the quarters and if I’m keeping it 💯 we have a legit chance at a semifinal game if we handle biz against Morocco. To be fair, they’re probably saying the same thing.
Agreed on the last sentence. It‘s a match both sides are saying/feeling they can win. Morocco may have better overage players, but our younger guys are growing into the tourney. I feel if Schulte does his job, and makes a coupler good stops, we are in decent shape. Should be fun.
Did not expect this. Guinea looked very dangerous against France and really should have gotten a point, if not more against NZ. Keita not playing was a big loss for them. Noticed that they didn‘t have one starter on the field from when we beat them 3-0 in a friendly, which was fairly even despite the score. We came out aggressive, they simply couldn‘t handle our press and gave the ball away in key areas a half dozen times in the first 30 minutes, and we capitalized. Very nice performance and I was pleasantly surprised. Good job guys. Now on to Morrocco who brought Hakami and two other real good overage players. The crowd will be more wild for Morocco, and be a bigger home ad than France had in some ways IMO. I think a similar approach to the France match is what Mitro will take, with Yow instead of Duncan M. Concentrated pressing in certain areas, and quick passing to capitalize. Well done to the team. Guess I was wrong on Guinea.
Oh yeah….Zim should be back with the seniors now that he looks healthy again.