For the first time in most of the players’ lives, the United States men are back in the Olympic quarterfinals, accomplishing the feat for the first time since 2000. Strong attacking performances against New Zealand and Guniea led Marko Motrovic’s team to this point but now as they will face a tougher test in Morocco. It’s actually only the second time since 1960 that the United States have made the knockout stages of the Olympics, so now in uncharted territory, this squad will look to make history as the first USA men’s soccer Olympic side to earn a medal, needing two more wins to do so.
The Atlas Lions weren’t expected to win Group B but a strong performance to defeat Argentina — along with some stoppage time controversy — was enough to see them top the group to head to Paris with the United States.
Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Friday, Aug. 2 | Time: 9 a.m. ET
- Location: Parc des Princes — Paris, France
- TV: USA | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: Morocco +122; Draw +195; United States +200
Storylines
Morocco: Paris Saint-Germain superstar Achraf Hakimi may be the guy everyone is watching on the wing and for a good reason after contributing four goals and five assists in league play last season, but there’s another familiar face in Morocco’s midfield who has been key in their performances. Amir Richardson, son of basketball player Michael Ray Richardson, was born in France but is also eligible to represent the United States or Morocco. After some time with the France U-23 and a strong season with Le Havre, Richardson declared for Morocco. Already earning three caps in the senior team, he is now keeping play ticking over as Morocco seeks an Olympic medal.
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United States: Due to changes in the injury replacement rules, Gianluca Busio is still eligible to play despite needing to be replaced in the roster by Josh Atencio because of a hamstring injury. Mitrovic started Maximilian Dietz in place of Busio to provide more defensive bite, so if he can’t go for the knockouts, that may happen again considering that Morocco can pose a serious threat going forward. Given the performance of Paxten Aaaronson at the false nine alongside Griffin Yow and Kevin Paredes, Mitrovic won’t have to tinker much with his attack that was able to score seven goals in two matches to make up for being shut out by France in their Olympic opener.
Prediction
The run will continue for the Americans as their attack will prove to be too much for Morocco to keep up with. It will be a tense match as the Atlas Lions can cause issues but the talent in the Amercian front three will eventually win out. Pick: United States 2, Morocco 1
KVSP