France, March 21 -- France's mens Olympic football team were pitted on Wednesday night against New Zealand, the United States and a qualifier from an inter-continental play-off during a lavish draw ceremony at the headquarters of the Paris Olympic organising committee in Aubervilliers just north of Paris

The 23-man squad will launch their quest for a first Olympic gold since 1984 against the Americans on 24 July at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

"There are no preferences," said France boss Thierry Henry immediately after the draw.

"We accept everybody who comes," added the former France international striker.

"We'll come up against different styles of football in the shape of New Zealand as well as the Americans.

"The good thing i...