We are in the knockout stage as Morocco battles the USA in the Olympic soccer quarterfinals. One will go home after this match as we share our Olympics odds series and make a Morocco-USA prediction and pick.
The USA defeated Guinea 3-0 and advanced to the knockout stage. Things started well when Djodje Mihailovic curled a free kick into the top corner for a goal. Later, Kevin Paredes came through with a kick to make it 2-0. The Americans almost got another goal when Griffin Yow snuck through and fired the ball off the post. Ultimately, Guinea had a chance to cut the lead in half when Abdoulaye Toure flung a shot that went right into the goalie's hands. Paredes finished this one with a goal in the 75th minute to cement the match.
The United States won despite only possessing the ball for 37.8 percent of the time. Ultimately, they had four shots on target. On the back end, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte kept the slate clean.
Morocco defeated Iraq 3-0 to cement their status in the knockout stage. The first interesting mark came in the 19th minute when Amir Richardson delivered a header to make it 1-0. Then, Soufiane Rahimi finished strong to make it 2-0 in the 28th minute. The Moroccans were not finished, as Abde Ezzalzouli kicked it in to make it 3-0 in the 36th minute.
Morocco finished with 14 shots, including four that hit the target. Additionally, they hated six corner kicks. Morocco played clean with no yellow cards.
The countries have played one another four times in their history, with Morocco leading the series 3-1. However, the Americans won the most recent matchup in 2022. Both teams have gold medal aspirations but will need to get past each other to do it.
Here are the 2024 Olympic Men's soccer odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
2024 Olympics Odds: Morocco-USA Odds
Wagers below cover Extra Time/Penalties if required
Morocco to Advance: -160
USA to Advance: +130
Wagers below are graded on the result after 90 minutes plus stoppage time
Morocco 3-Way Moneyline: +120
USA 3-Way Moneyline: +210
Draw: +240
Over 2.5 goals: -113
Under 2.5 goals: -121
How to Watch Morocco vs. USA
Time: 9 AM ET/6 AM PT
TV: Peacock
Stream: (Click Here for Free Trial)
Why Morocco Will Win
The Moroccans have played well in these Olympic games. Amazingly, they have found ways to get the ball into the net and have many playmakers who have lifted them up.
Rahimi has been their best player, as he has four goals. Meanwhile, Richardson has added one goal. Ezzalzouni now has a goal after scoring against Iraq. But these players have also been the beneficiaries of good passing. Bilal Elkhannaus has an assist, as does Zakaria El Ouahadi.
Playing a clean slate helped them dominate Iraq. Overall, they did not suffer a yellow card and also fired 14 shots. The Moroccans have played with a disciplined and strong mentality that has helped them make it here.
Goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi has also been strong, helping his country overcome Argentina. Overall, he has been a significant reason why Morocco is in this battle.
Morocco will win this matchup if they continue dominating possession time and firing shots at the net. Then, they need to remain disciplined on defense and not allow the Americans to have any space.
Why the USA Will Win
The USA has made it this far despite not really playing the best. Somehow, they managed to overcome Guinea despite not possessing the ball much. The Americans have scored and done a good job of it.
Paredes has two goals and an assist and will look to keep producing on the field. Likewise, Mihailovic has been stellar and how has two goals and an assist. Walker Zimmerman has a goal and two assists. Also, Paxton Aaronson now has one goal and two assists. Yow has one assist in the Olympic games.
To beat Morocco, the Americans will need to pass the ball better and avoid being in a situation where they are constantly chasing. Overall, this may be a challenge as Morocco has been very good at ball handling. To swing the momentum, the Americans must start strong and avoid falling into a hole.
The USA will win this match if their playmakers can set the pace and avoid turning the ball over. Then, they must avoid committing penalties and not take yellow cards.
Final Morocco-USA Prediction & Pick
This quarterfinal match is interesting, and the Americans are the underdog. While the USA has dominated the other sports often, soccer (or football for most of the world) has never been their strong suit. We really like what we have seen from Morocco throughout these games. Therefore, we expect them to continue playing at a high level. While the Americans dominate other sports, they still struggle here. Morocco wins this match and covers the spread.
Click here for more betting news & predictions
Final Morocco-USA Prediction & Pick: Morocco 3-Way Moneyline (+120)
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