France cruises to 3-0 win against U.S. on opening day of Paris Olympics

France dominated the United States 3-0 in men’s soccer Wednesday in the countries’ group stage opener.  The Group A showdown between the two teams was among the first events to kick off the Paris Games.

The French were held scoreless in the first half despite dominating possession, but the floodgates opened in the second half. An Alexandre Lacazette low strike began the scoring in the 61st minute, and then Michael Olise followed up with a score of his own only eight minutes later. For good measure, Loïc Badé headed in another goal in the 85th minute.

Both countries were represented by their U23 squads in the match yet it was the hosts’ experienced players who made quite a difference. Lacazette, 33, not only scored but assisted on Olise’s follow up. Badé, 24, was the one who put the match well out of reach. 

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France was the aggressor for most of the 90 minutes, recording more shots, shots on goal, and kicking six more corners than its opponent. The hosts finished the match controlling possession for nearly 53% of the action. The U.S., meanwhile, had five offside penalties that proved costly. 

The U.S. still had their chances despite appearing overmatched for much of the day. 

In the 59th minute, a shot from outside the box by Djordje Mihailovic hit the crossbar and was the best scoring opportunity for either side up until that point. And after the Lacazette goal, the U.S. almost responded immediately. In the 64th minute, Paxton Aaronson nearly equalized with a header that required a quick save. Then John Tolkin nearly scored the following minute off a header of his own, but was denied by the left post. 

The U.S. wouldn’t threaten very seriously again, while France built on their lead after the brief scare. 

Though neither side sent over their top national squad, both France and USA are coming off disappointing finishes in their most recent international tournaments. The French lost in the semifinals of the Euros, while the U.S. didn’t even make it to the knockout stage of the Copa America.  

The USMNT is participating in the Olympics for the first time since the 2008 Beijing games. They will next take the field Saturday against New Zealand.