Djordje Mihailovic converted a penalty as the United States pounced early in a 4-1 victory over New Zealand on Saturday to stave off possible elimination at the Olympics.
A loss in Marseille could have ended the American men’s chance to advance to the knockout round in just their second Olympic appearance. The US had lost 3-0 to France in their Group A opener.
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Mihailovic calmly scored his penalty in the eighth minute after Nathan Harriel was brought down in the box by Matthew Garbett.
Four minutes later Walker Zimmerman, one of the US’s overage players, made it 2-0 when he poked home from a goalmouth scramble after a free kick. Gianluca Busio scored on a rebound at the half-hour mark and celebrated by dancing with teammate Kevin Paredes. Paxten Aaronson added a fourth goal in the 58th. New Zealand avoided the shutout thanks to Jesse Randall’s late goal.
New Zealand’s 2-1 opening victory over Guinea had put the team in a strong position to advance. The OlyWhites started the day second in the group to France. However, the US’s victory put them ahead of New Zealand and into second place on goal difference. France sit top of the group with six points after they beat Guinea 1-0 in Saturday’s other Group A game.
The United States are set to play Guinea in their final group match on Tuesday in Saint-Etienne. New Zealand play France in Marseille. The top two teams in the group advance to the next round.
Source: theguardian.com
