Much easier than expected, Morocco brushed aside the US national team and secured the semi-final – 4-0. Rahimi opened the scoring in the 29th minute from the spot, scoring his fifth goal at the Olympics, while Akhomach, the skipper Hakimi and Maouhoub from another penalty sealed the Atlas Lions’ triumph in the second half, and launched them to the semis, where they will face the winner of the Japan-Spain clash.🚨🏅 GOAL | Morocco 3-0 USA | HakimiHAKIMI MAKES IT THREE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/xfeeLqhMb0— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) August 2, 2024 After securing the top spot ahead of Argentina, the Moroccans’ self-esteem was at the highest possible level. On the other hand, the US team didn’t impress in the group stage but managed to beat, at this point, weaker opponents – New Zealand and Guinea – and, with six points behind France, advance from second place.Although there was no favourite in this game at first glance, the Atlas Lions were determined to prove that their first place in the group stage was no coincidence. They controlled the game altogether and got the first chance 13 minutes into the match when Villareal’s Ilias Akhomach struck the ball towards the top right corner, but the US keeper made a superb save.🚨🏅 GOAL | Morocco 2-0 USA | AkhomachAKHOMACH DOUBLES THE LEAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/D8oh0dtIEA— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) August 2, 2024 However, the African team took the lead only a quarter of an hour later. Akhomach went down in the box after Nathan Harriel’s careless tackle, and Morocco were awarded a penalty, which was an easy task for the tournament’s current top scorer, Soufiane Rahimi, who netted his fifth goal at the Olympics. There was no massive chance till the end of the first half, but Morocco was entirely in control with more attempts, corner kicks, and possession advantage.After the break, the Americans started showing some passion, with Miles Robinson missing the first goal-scoring opportunity for the USA in the 55th minute. However, his shot from around 10 meters went far wide of the right post. Marko Mitrovic’s squad was punished only eight minutes later when Akhomach found the net from close range after Abde Ezzalzouli’s marvellous cross.Paris Olympics: Mega clash between hated Argentinians and the FrenchThe destruction continued after only seven minutes! The Moroccan captain, Achraf Hakimi, took the ball in the half of the pitch and weaved his way past opponents before unleashing a fantastic strike from the edge of the box, making it 3-0! The US manager tried to wake up his team with several substitutions, but Hakimi’s goal definitely sealed the Americans’ fate and confirmed their elimination. In added time, today very unlucky Harriel, handballed in the box, and VAR suggested another penalty for Morocco. The sub, El Mehdi Maouhoub was impeccable from the spot for the final 4-0.OLYMPIC GAMES – MEN’S FOOTBALLQuarter-finalsFridayMorocco – USA 4-0 (1-0)/Rahimi 29 pen, Akhomach 63, Hakimi 70, Maouhoub 90+1 pen/Japan – Spain 0-0 IN PROGRESS20.00: (3.05) Egypt M23 (3.35) Paraguay M23 (2.35)22.00: (4.00) France M23 (3.35) Argentina M23 (2.00)***odds are subject to change***
