The U.S. Men’s Soccer Team faced a crushing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Morocco in the Olympic quarterfinals at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Morocco controlled the game from the start, capitalizing on U.S. defensive errors and showing their skill on counter-attacks. Morocco’s Sofiane Rahimi opened the scoring with a penalty in the 27th minute after Nathan Harriel committed a foul in the box. The U.S. struggled to create scoring opportunities, finishing the first half with only one shot and just 36% of possession, making it challenging to counter Morocco’s disciplined defense.
Second Half Dominance by Morocco
Morocco continued their momentum in the second half, extending the lead with a 63rd-minute goal from Ilias Akhomach. Achraf Hakimi, a Paris Saint-Germain star, added a third goal with a brilliant solo effort, thrilling the home crowd. Morocco sealed the win with another penalty converted by Mehdi Maouhoub in stoppage time, following a handball by Harriel, leaving the U.S. without a chance to recover.
Key Highlights:
- Goals: Rahimi (27’), Akhomach (63’), Hakimi (70’), Maouhoub (90’+1).
- Possession and Shots: U.S. struggled with 36% possession and only one shot on target in the first half.
- Defensive Lapses: Two penalties conceded by Nathan Harriel underscored the U.S. defensive issues.
The loss ends the U.S. team’s Olympic journey, while Morocco advances to the semifinals, continuing their impressive run at the Games. U.S. coach Marko Mitrovic expressed disappointment, acknowledging the effort his team put in throughout the tournament but lamenting the lack of execution in this critical match.
