New Zealand could secure progress to the quarter-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics when they face the USA in Saturday's Group A match at Stade Velodrome.
The OlyWhites defeated Guinea in their tournament opener, while the Americans were unfortunate to lose to the hosts.
Match preview
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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.
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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.
Team News
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Alex Paulsen made a staggering seven saves against Guinea last time out, and the shot-stopper could be busy against the USA this weekend.
Having notched the game-winner in New Zealand's tournament-opening victory, Waine aims to keep his fine run going for Bazeley's side.
Despite missing a presentable opportunity against France, Nathan Harriel's forward forays from right-back caused Les Blues concern, and the wide defender aims to reproduce another strong USA performance.
If Kevin Paredes, who fashioned four chances in the loss to France, is as creative on Saturday, Team USA's prospects are promising.
New Zealand possible starting lineup:
Paulsen; Bindon, Surman, Boxall, Sutton; Bell, Garbett; Bayliss, Singh, Herdman; Waine
USA possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Harriel, Zimmerman, Robinson, Tolkin; Busio, Tessmann, Mihailovic; Paredes, McGuire, Aaronson
We say: New Zealand 1-1 USA
Despite getting beat by France, the USA should avoid defeat against a side motivated to notch consecutive triumphs.
With New Zealand not possessing individual quality at Les Blues' level, Mitrovic's side should notch their first goal of the competition and concede fewer than their tournament-opening loss.
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