(NEXSTAR) — For the first time since the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the United States advanced to the quarterfinals of the Olympic men’s soccer tournament. Kevin Paredes scored two goals to lift the U.S. to a 3-0 victory over Guinea on Tuesday.
The win ended a 24-year wait for the U.S. to reach the knockout phase and it will play Morocco in the quarterfinals in Paris on Friday.
First-half goals from Djordje Mihailovic and Paredes put the Americans on course for the next round. Paredes sealed the win with his second after the break.
The U.S. advanced in second place behind Group A winner France, which beat New Zealand 3-0.
France plays Argentina in the quarterfinals in a repeat of the World Cup final in 2022. The game is in Bordeaux on Friday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.