Sports

Men’s Soccer 2024 Paris Olympics: Bracket, what to know as US faces Morocco, Argentina faces France

Published

2 weeks ago

August 1, 2024

Men's Soccer 2024 Paris Olympics: Bracket, what to know as US faces Morocco, Argentina faces France

The knockout stages of men’s Olympic football have now arrived, with the United States taking on Morocco, Japan taking on Spain, Egypt playing Paraguay and hosts France reuniting with FIFA 2022 World Cup conquerors Argentina. The quarter-finals are on Friday and the semi-finals come next Monday, before the final next Friday and the bronze medal match. Because there is still sufficient quality in the field, it is currently the gold medal for everyone, with the draw for France and Argentina starting nicely.

With the four quarter-finals leading into the two semi-finals and then next week’s final, we’ve got everything you need to know and watch.

Quarter-final schedule and how to watch

Always US/East

You can stream Olympic action on Fubo (Try for free).

Friday August 2

USMNT vs. Morocco, 9:00 a.m. (USA Network)
Japan vs. Spain, 11am (Universo)
Egypt vs. Paraguay, 1 p.m. (Universo)
France vs Argentina, 3pm (Universo)

Hook

USMNT vs. Morocco, August 2 in Paris

USMNT: The Americans are in the midst of their first knockouts in Olympic men’s football since making the final four in 2000. The US, a 24-year record, has bounced back well after an early defeat to hosts France and could now give the Moroccans a can give a test. While Japan or Spain will likely pose an even tougher test, a potentially equal semi-final spot could be within reach for Marko Mitrovic’s side.

The CBS Sports Golazo Network presents Call It What You Want, a weekly podcast featuring Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, Brian McBride and Tony Meola discussing all things USMNT and the state of the beautiful game in the United States.

Morocco: However, the Atlas Lions have reason for optimism with Soufiane Rahimi on form with four goals from three games so far, averaging 1.3 goals per 90 minutes. The Moroccans were beaten by eliminated Ukraine, so the US will be encouraged by that, but defense hasn’t exactly been the US’ strong point so far and Rahimi, the Paris Olympics’ leading goalscorer, is a concern.

Japan vs. Spain, August 2 in Lyon

Japan: Samurai Blue, one of two teams with a 100% winning record so far and the other being hosts France, poses a threat to Spain and possibly the US or Morocco. In addition, the Japanese have kept three clean sheets so far, good for a 100% shutout record. If the Spaniards, who have arguably been a bit disappointing so far, are to progress, it will need to be a strong performance to beat Go Oiwa’s men.

Spain: La Roja had to make do with an unexpected second place in Group C behind undefeated Egypt. The Spaniards scored six times in their three group matches, but the Egyptians stunned them in the third meeting, which has now given them a tough potential route to the final. No clean sheets so far will be an issue, however, as Spain look to add Olympic gold to their UEFA Euro 2024 title.

Egypt vs. Paraguay, August 2 in Marseille

Egypt: With two clean sheets in three, the Pharaohs are the ones to watch in this knockout phase, given their solid performances in 2012 and 2020. Against a Paraguayan team that has shown quality in attack, but is also vulnerable at the back, a route towards a possible victory. semi-final opens. Reaching the last four would be a step further than those two previous Olympic showings, although a loss here would mean five quarter-finals without ever reaching the semi-finals.

Paraguay: After recovering from a heavy opening defeat, the Albirroja have found their feet and will have been eyeing a chance to reach the semi-finals as they were likely expecting to face Spain before the final round. However, travel delays and accommodation issues have thrown the Paraguayan delegation’s preparation plans into disarray and there was even an attempt to postpone the match as they were unable to travel on Wednesday before Friday’s match.

France versus Argentina, August 2 in Bordeaux

France: Along with Japan, Les Bleus boast the other 100% winning record from the Paris Games in men’s football and the hosts will be favorites to continue their progress against an Argentina side who have struggled to really convince as favorites for the tournament. The winner of this will be one of the best bets to reach next week’s final and only the Japanese and the US can match France’s goal tally of seven, although Samurai Blue also have the same three clean sheets as Thierry Henry’s men.

Argentina: The other big angle leading up to this is that it is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, which the Albiceleste won. Much will be made of an attempt at revenge for the French, but these are not at all the same two sides we saw over eighteen months ago. Javier Mascherano’s men have gotten over their controversial early defeat and will now be keen to build on a knockout run, which normally means a deep run for the Argentinians at the Olympics.