Mauricio Pochettino, manager of the US national team, expressed frustration with journalists following his team’s 3-2 loss to Turkey on Thursday. He indicated that he expected congratulations for securing first place in Group D, finding questions about the ‘dead-rubber’ match to be “weird.”
The US had already clinched the top spot in their group due to strong performances in earlier matches. These included a 4-1 victory against Paraguay, where the team scored more goals in a World Cup match than ever before, and a 2-0 win over Australia, marking their first time achieving a six-point start to a World Cup campaign.
Much of the pre-match discussion against Turkey focused on whether the US could maintain their momentum. The loss, sealed by a Turkey goal in the final moments, prompted questions about the team’s continuity heading into their next match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.
Pochettino dismissed concerns about momentum, stating, “[Momentum] is a topic that I don’t understand.” He questioned the necessity of playing the same team that faced Australia, citing risks such as yellow cards that could impact future availability. He also referenced Germany‘s 2-1 loss to Ecuador, asking if they too lost momentum. He concluded that the objective was to finish first, which they achieved, and they are now ready for the next stage, describing it as a final.
Despite his outward demeanor, Pochettino insisted he was happy. “I think it’s all positive, and I am so positive, and I am happy. Maybe I am not showing because your questions are a little bit weird, but I am so happy, and the players are happy, because I think we perform, we compete, and we are first,” he explained. He noted a perceived negative atmosphere in the press conference, contrasting it with the team’s achievement, saying, “Maybe I am confused, but the mood, the vibes [in here] is like we go home tonight and Turkey stays.”
Match Details and Player Performances
The match against Turkey saw a significantly altered US lineup, with nine changes from the team that played Australia. This allowed key players like Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson to rest, avoiding potential suspensions for the upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The game was an action-packed affair, with Turkey ultimately securing a 3-2 victory thanks to a late winner from Kaan Ayhan.
The US started strongly, with Auston Trusty scoring his first international goal in under three minutes, making it the second-fastest US goal in a World Cup. Trusty, a backup center-back, was unmarked at the far post from a corner, allowing him to control the ball and score. However, Turkey responded, with Arda Guler equalizing in the 10th minute after a clever move that set up Baris Alper Yilmaz, who then crossed back to Guler.
Turkey took the lead in the 31st minute when Guler found Eren Elmali, who cut the ball back to Yilmaz for the goal. The US managed to draw level in the 49th minute through Sebastian Berhalter, who struck a low shot into the bottom corner after a long throw from Mark McKenzie was cleared to him. The game also saw the return of Christian Pulisic, nicknamed “Captain America,” who came off the bench in the 58th minute after recovering from an injury sustained in the opening win against Paraguay. Pulisic immediately showed his impact, creating several chances.
Despite the low stakes for both teams, the Los Angeles Stadium was packed and created a loud atmosphere. For Turkey, who were already eliminated and had not scored in their previous two matches, the game offered an opportunity to restore pride. Their victory was celebrated jubilantly, while US players gathered in a circle after the final whistle, seemingly determined not to let the defeat overshadow their successful campaign.
Pochettino’s Perspective and Future Outlook
Pochettino continued to emphasize the positive aspects of his team’s performance, particularly in light of the significant lineup changes. He highlighted that many players made their debut or first start, contributing to the team’s growth. “I think we are much better team now than before. I think it’s not easy to do after winning two games, preparing for the next stage and playing a team that is not playing for nothing. It was difficult for the boys to go there and try to perform and that’s why I’m so happy about the performance,” he stated.
He expressed his disappointment that the press had not acknowledged the team’s achievement of winning a challenging group. “At the moment, no one congratulated us for finishing first in a very difficult group. I congratulate the players, the staff and USA and the fans to finish first in a very difficult group,” Pochettino remarked. He reiterated this point later, saying, “I’m sorry guys, it cannot be possible that Turkey finishes celebrating the three points, Australia is celebrating the qualification, Paraguay celebrating the qualification, and [I] come here, and for you not to say congratulations, that we won the group. That is a little bit sad. I need to [remind] you and everyone that we won the group. You guys, we won.”
The return of Pulisic was a significant positive takeaway for Pochettino, who noted the importance of him getting playing time. “One of the objectives in that game, not only was to win, (it was) to provide Christian in between 30 and 40 minutes to get the feeling to be ready for the next game, that is important too,” he said. The US team is now set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.
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Source: theguardian.com
Dominic Hayes is the Sports News Writer at NewsGB, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with five years of reporting experience. He started on a north-east sports desk. He holds a degree in Journalism from Teesside University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Middlesbrough, he follows pro golf and amateur boxing. “Fast and accurate is the only standard worth keeping.”
