After opening the group stage with a defeat against France, Marko Mitrovic’s American U-23s are staring elimination from the Olympic Games in the face on the second day of the group stage. A loss to New Zealand and a win in France could knock the United States out of the Olympic game before they even start, while a draw would make qualifying quite tough by taking their fate out of their hands on the final day of the group stage.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday July 27 | Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Place: Orange Velodrome — Marseille, France
- TV: USA | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Chances: New Zealand +340; Sign +265; United States -165
Storylines
United States: If a loss to New Zealand and France earns at least one point against Guinea, the United States will be eliminated from the Olympics. Mitrovic may have to make changes to the starting lineup to prevent the United States from being knocked out by New Zealand, but history is not on their side. The United States have not advanced beyond the group stage since 2000 and after losing to France they are bottom of Group A with a -3 goal difference, which could well matter. The lack of experience among the American youth was evident against France, but they will be on equal footing against New Zealand.
New Zealand: Despite being outshot by Giunea, New Zealand were able to advance behind a winner from Plymouth Argyle striker Ben Waine. In 2020, this New Zealand team advanced to the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games, so they are no strangers to advancing from the group stage, unlike the USMNT. They have never faced the United States before, so the stakes are high in their first meeting.
Prediction
Despite their best efforts, the United States will make things more difficult for themselves by drawing against New Zealand and leaving it until the last day of the group stage, where they will become big fans of France. Choose: United States 1, New Zealand 1
