MARSEILLE, France — The U.S. men’s soccer team returned to the Olympics after a 16-year hiatus Wednesday with the most daunting of tasks: an opening match against not just the host nation but one that churns out world-class players with care and proficiency.
Into the second half, the Americans showed they were up to the enormous challenge at raucous Stade Vélodrome. But in the space of about 10 minutes, all their efforts crumbled. In that spell, three fabulous U.S. chances failed to hit the target, while the French scored in the 61st and 69th minutes. After adding a late goal, the blue-clad hosts claimed a 3-0 victory.