Turkey defeats USA in World Cup match, USA still advances to last 32
Turkey secured their first World Cup victory since 2002, defeating the United States in Los Angeles. The match saw Turkey score a stoppage-time winner, ending the United States‘ unbeaten run in the tournament. Despite the loss, the United States had already secured the top spot in their group and will progress to the last 32.
The co-hosts, United States, started strongly, taking the lead within three minutes. Celtic defender Auston Trusty scored after being left unmarked from a corner, with his shot beating Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. This goal, scored just over two minutes into the game, is noted as the second quickest goal ever for the US at a World Cup.
Vincenzo Montella‘s Turkey side, who had lost their initial two matches, quickly found their rhythm. Arda Guler equalised with Turkey‘s first goal of the finals, converting a close-range finish from Baris Alper Yilmaz‘s pass. Orkun Kokcu then put Turkey ahead, with his shot appearing to deflect off Yilmaz‘s thigh after a move down the left side that involved Real Madrid midfielder Guler.
Second Half Momentum Shifts
After the half-time interval, Mauricio Pochettino‘s United States team increased their intensity. They managed to level the score through Sebastian Berhalter, who struck a shot from outside the box into the bottom left corner.
Substitute Christian Pulisic had several opportunities to score for the US, but Cakir made crucial saves, including tipping one effort onto the post. At the other end, Kenan Yildiz curled a shot wide, and Yilmaz lost his footing when in a promising position.
The decisive moment came in the final seconds of the match when Kaan Ayhan scored the winner for Turkey, converting Can Uzun‘s touch towards goal. This goal secured the victory for Turkey.
Group Progression and Next Fixtures
Despite the defeat, the United States had already secured their progression to the knockout stages by topping their group with a previous win against Australia. They are scheduled to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 of the competition on 2 July. This match will take place in Santa Clara at 01:00 BST.
Meanwhile, Australia also secured their progression to the knockout rounds after a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara. This result ensured Australia finished second in their group, securing their spot in the round of 32.
Australia‘s manager, Tony Popovic, made six changes to the starting line-up for the match against Paraguay, including bringing in Nestory Irankunda, Cristian Volpato, Connor Metcalfe, Aziz Behich, Lucas Herrington, and Jackson Irvine. Irvine was noted for his performance in midfield, and Volpato developed a strong connection with Jordan Bos on the right side of midfield.
Bos had one of Australia‘s best chances late in the game, with a shot that went just wide. Volpato also set up Irvine early on, but his shot was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Paraguay‘s only significant challenge came late in the game when Maurício‘s shot was saved by Pat Beach.
Australia will now await the outcome of Group G to determine their next opponent, with Iran currently in second place, though Belgium, Egypt, or New Zealand could still be their opponents in Dallas. The United States will play their next match on 2 July.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
