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The United States men's soccer team's return to the Olympics got off to a disappointing start on Wednesday as they lost 3-0 to France in Marseille during the group stage. Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette each scored two goals from beyond the area to give Thierry Henry's team the lead. In the 85th minute, Loic Bade scored another goal to put the game out of reach.

Although the US gave a calm effort early on, this is a match where the talent disparity between the US and other countries is evident. Marko Mitrovic is under additional pressure now that New Zealand has also won their opening game since it seems probable that the United States will need to win Group A in order to advance to the knockout stage.

Olympic stage.

The United States played with composure and created opportunities during the first sixty minutes of the match, but France's skill ultimately prevailed. This is a match where the score doesn't tell the whole story. They should have done a better job of stopping Lacazette on his first goal, but there was nothing they could have done about Olise's.
 

It was always going to be difficult for this squad to take a point off of France, but the victory over New Zealand unsettles the group. Because the United States can only control what it can control, Saturday's triumph is essential. Griffin Yow, who actually had the ball in the back of the net late in the game but it was ruled to be offside, might be added to the starting lineup. His attacking prowess may come into play against New Zealand, but overall, Mitrovic's team may advance out of the group if they can build on this victory.

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