Predictions Olympic Games Men's Football - New Zealand vs USA

Olympic Games Men's Football - New Zealand vs USA
Match Time: 28-07-2024 00:00 Sunday (GMT+7)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Having never gone beyond the group stage in previous participations at the Olympics until the last edition, New Zealand have put themselves in a promising position to make it into the knockout round in consecutive appearances.

Goals from Matthew Garbett and Ben Waine either side of an Amadou Diawara equaliser saw the South Pacific nation secure the win in Nice, and they seek another to clinch a last-eight spot.

While a point will put Darren Bazeley's side on the brink of qualification, three undoubtedly confirm their progress to the quarter-final for the second Games running.

Wednesday's victory was their second triumph at the Olympics, and New Zealand hope to claim two wins in the same tournament for the first time on Saturday.

The United States aim to prevent that outcome, as it all but confirms their exit unless Guinea stun France in the group's other fixture.

Despite losing 3-0 to France at the Velodrome, underlying statistics showed that Marko Mitrovic's men outdid Thierry Henry's side for clear-cut chances created.

Team USA return to Marseille keen to avoid losing for the second game on the trot, as that could mean an early exit.

Having failed to qualify since Beijing 2008 — when they exited in the group stage despite accruing four points — Mitrovic hopes to avoid the same eventuality by notching maximum points on Saturday to give them momentum heading into the final group game against Guinea.

Team USA won a group game at previous appearances in 1992, 1996, 2000 (when they finished fourth) and 2008, and they aim to match that feat on their return to the competition.

Prediction: New Zealand 1-1 USA