The U.S. men’s soccer team lost its opening game at the Paris Olympics but bounced back on Saturday to beat New Zealand 4-1.
The win was crucial for the men’s team, who needed to win Saturday’s match to avoid early elimination from the Summer Olympics.
France shut out the United States earlier this week, and New Zealand defeated Guinea, the U.S. men’s national team’s next opponent.
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Team USA’s number 3 Walker Zimmermann celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the men’s Group A match between New Zealand and the USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de Marseille on July 27, 2024 in Marseille, France. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
In the under-23 tournament, only the top two teams from each group will qualify for the knockout stage.
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U.S. midfielder Djordje Mihajlovic calmly converted a penalty kick in the eighth minute after Nathan Harriel was brought down by Matthew Garbett inside the penalty area.
United States defender Nathan Harriel #02 kicks the ball during the men’s Group A football match between New Zealand and USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Marseille Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Marseille. (Clement Mahodo/AFP via Getty Images)
Four minutes later, veteran Walker Zimmerman scored a goal following a free kick in a scramble in front of the goal to make the score 2-0.
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Gianluca Busio scored on a rebound in the 30th minute and celebrated the win by dancing with teammate Kevin Paredes, and Paxton Aaronson added a fourth in the 58th minute.
United States players and supporters react after the end of the men’s Group A football match between New Zealand and USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Marseille Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Marseille. (Clement Mahoudou/AFP via Getty Images)
New Zealand avoided a shutout with a late goal from Jesse Randall.
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The U.S. is scheduled to face Guinea in its final group match on Tuesday in Saint-Etienne, while New Zealand will face France in Marseille.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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