Achraf Hakimi's side dominated the entire game, putting the overmatched USMNT on their heels from the opening whistle
The U.S. men's U23 national team crashed out of the 2024 Olympics, falling to Morocco 4-0 in the quarterfinals Friday in Paris.
Morocco went up early in the first half from the penalty spot on what was a controversial call, and it set the tone for the match. Two Moroccan players and defender Nathaniel Harriel went to challenge for a ball in the air, and the Philadelphia Union defender's boot made contact with the calf of Soufiane Rahimi, who fell to the ground.
The Al-Ain striker scored the ensuing penalty kick after a brief VAR review to make it 1-0 in the 28th minute.
The U.S. made it to halftime without conceding again, needing a new identity on the pitch for the final 45 if they were to secure a result. They came out of the break with a much higher tempo, but nothing came of it, and Morocco began to dominate.
Minutes after the USMNT's best chance of the game, a close-range effort from Miles Robinson that was hit wide, the Atlas Lions doubled their lead. It was a sensational counter, led by ex-Barcelona star Abde Ezzalzouli and finished by winger Ilias Akhomach in the 63rd minute.
They added a third seven minutes later, with PSG star Achraf Hakimi putting the game away, making it 3-0 after a solo-effort that saw the U.S. defense just watch him dribble by. They then added a fourth in stoppage-time after another penalty was called on Harriel, this time for a handball offense despite the defender's arm being tucked in on his side in a natural position.
The USMNT lacked ambition and aggression much of the game, and seemed to be affected by a predominantly Moroccan crowd.
“To go down in the nature that we did was tough, pretty frustrating,” U.S. defender Walker Zimmerman said. “It’s sad because I think it’s a group that has a lot of belief in each other and a lot of character and I don’t think it showed through and that’s what’s hard is knowing how much everyone did care, had each other’s back.”
Overall, it was a brilliant and unexpected run for the U23 squad at these Olympics, and it could be a spark for the program for years to come. But the U.S. – playing in the Olympics for the first time since 2008 and in the knockouts for the first time in 24 years – were not up to the task in the quarterfinals. And on a day in which they needed to be at their best, they didn't deliver
GOAL rates the USMNT's players from the Parc Des Princes in Paris.
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defense
Patrick Schulte (7/10):
Did absolutely nothing wrong, despite the four goals allowed. Made a great attempt on the penalty, had an outstanding first half save, too.
Nathaniel Harriel (5/10):
Sloppy moment on the penalty, but an incredibly harsh call. Not his best day, as he found himself out of position on the second penalty, too.
Walker Zimmerman (6/10):
Rather solid on the back line. Was composed, connected passes and was visibly trying to be a leader. What they needed from the veteran.
Miles Robinson (3/10):
Another poor showing. Sloppy giveaways and wrong positioning on the final two goals.
John Tolkin (7/10):
Was tasked with keeping Hakimi quiet, and he relatively did so. He was left out to hang on the third goal, and made an attempt to stick with him.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Tanner Tessman (6/10):
Was the best midfielder on the day. Tough result after a great tournament.
Jack McGlynn (4/10):
Started in place of Busio, but struggled to replicate his role. Picked up a nonsensical yellow.
Djordje Mihailovic (4/10):
Never found his footing. Couldn't connect passes or find space. Removed in second half.
Getty ImagesAttack
Griffin Yow (5/10):
He had all the momentum coming into the match, but nothing came of it. A poor showing. Was in Hakimi's back pocket all day.
Paxten Aaronson (6/10):
Tried to make things happen, was creative on the ball, but was just outclassed.
Kevin Paredes (7/10):
The best attacker for the USMNT on the day. Had shooting opportunities, tried to take on defenders 1v1, was just let down by those around him. Should hold his head high.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Taylor Booth (6/10):
Subbed on to make something happen, but game was gone by that time.
Benja Cremaschi (N/A):
Subbed on late.
Joshua Atencio (N/A:
Joined the group late off the bench.
Duncan McGuire (6/10):
Brought on for attacking momentum, but too little too late.
Caleb Wiley (N/A):
Replaced Tolkin late.
Marko Mitrovic (4/10):
So much felt wrong. The U.S. didn't press, they welcomed pressure, they didn't link in the middle – the list goes on. They were overwhelmed by their opposition, and Mitrovic failed to make the necessary changes in time. The stage was too big for all involved.