The US men’s national team experienced a late defeat against Turkey, with Kaan Ayhan scoring in the final moments to secure a 3-2 victory for Turkey. This result, however, does not alter the USA’s progression to the World Cup knockout stage, where they are set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match, played in front of 70,492 fans at Los Angeles Stadium, saw the US make significant changes to their lineup.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino opted for an almost complete rotation of his squad, with Weston McKennie being the sole player retained from the starting XIs that faced Paraguay and Australia. This decision allowed key players such as Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson to rest, potentially avoiding suspensions for the upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite the changes, the US started strongly, taking an early lead.
The opening goal came from defender Auston Trusty, marking the third consecutive game in which the US scored early. Trusty’s strike was followed by a period where the US backline struggled under pressure. Turkey capitalised on this, with Arda Güler scoring in the 10th minute and Orkun Kökçü adding another in the 31st minute. This marked the first time the US had trailed in the tournament.
The US team showed resilience in the second half. Sebastian Berhalter equalised shortly after halftime with a well-executed volley. The team created several additional opportunities that could have altered the outcome of the match. Christian Pulisic, returning from injury, entered the game as a substitute and immediately contributed to the team’s attacking efforts, creating multiple chances.
Despite the improved performance in the second half, the late goal from Ayhan sealed the defeat for the US. Güler’s excellent work at the corner led to a cross that found Ayhan unmarked at the far post, who made no mistake with his finish. This outcome ended the USA’s perfect record in the tournament’s group stage, which had seen them win their first two matches against Paraguay and Australia.
The US team had already achieved historical milestones in this tournament, scoring their highest number of goals in a single World Cup game and securing two consecutive wins for the first time in the modern era. They also clinched the top spot in Group D with a game to spare. Pochettino expressed satisfaction with winning Group D, despite the loss, emphasising the team’s performance and competitive spirit.
Pochettino highlighted the importance of Pulisic’s return, noting that getting playing time was crucial for him to regain match fitness ahead of the next game. The manager also acknowledged that the rotation provided valuable playing time for other squad members, ensuring they are ready to contribute either as starters or from the bench.
The defensive vulnerabilities of the US team have been a point of discussion prior to the tournament. While the team demonstrates strong attacking capabilities, their backline has been known to concede goals. The shutout against Australia was their first clean sheet since a friendly match nearly a year ago. The late goal against Turkey underscores concerns about the team’s defense, particularly in critical moments.
The upcoming Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina is scheduled for July 1 in the San Francisco Bay Area. This fixture provides the US with a favourable path for a deep run in the tournament. The team will aim to learn from the defeat against Turkey and address any defensive issues as they prepare for the knockout stages.
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Source: theguardian.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
