Djordje Mihailovic successfully converted a penalty kick as the United States struck early, securing a 4-1 win over New Zealand on Saturday, thus avoiding potential elimination from the Olympics.
A defeat in Marseille could have extinguished the American men’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage in their second Olympic appearance, following a 3-0 loss to France in their Group A opener.
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Mihailovic confidently netted his penalty in the eighth minute following a foul on Nathan Harriel by Matthew Garbett inside the box.
Just four minutes later, Walker Zimmerman, one of the US’s overage players, extended the lead to 2-0 by tapping in the ball after a chaotic free-kick situation. Gianluca Busio added a third goal at the half-hour mark with a rebound, celebrating with a dance alongside teammate Kevin Paredes. Paxten Aaronson registered the fourth goal in the 58th minute, while New Zealand managed to score a consolation goal through Jesse Randall late in the match.
New Zealand’s earlier victory over Guinea (2-1) had placed them in a favorable position to advance, starting the day second in the group behind France. However, the US’s triumph not only propelled them ahead of New Zealand but also into second place based on goal difference, pending France’s match against Guinea later that evening.
The United States is scheduled to face Guinea in their final group match on Tuesday in Saint-Etienne, while New Zealand will play against France in Marseille. The top two teams from the group will proceed to the next stage.
