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.

Source: theguardian.com

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Turkey secured their first World Cup victory since 2002, ending the United States‘ unbeaten run with a stoppage-time winner in Los Angeles. The match saw Turkey come from behind to claim the win, despite the United States having already secured their progression to the last 32 of the competition.

The co-hosts, United States, started strongly, with Auston Trusty scoring early in the match, just over two minutes into play. This goal marked the second quickest ever scored by the US in a World Cup. However, Turkey, who had lost their two previous opening games, soon found their rhythm.

Turkey’s comeback and late winner

Vincenzo Montella‘s side equalised through Arda Guler, who scored Turkey‘s first goal of the finals with a close-range finish. Orkun Kokcu then put Turkey ahead, with his shot appearing to deflect off Baris Alper Yilmaz, completing a turnaround in the match. Real Madrid midfielder Guler was noted for his impressive involvement in the build-up.

The United States, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, increased their intensity after half-time. Sebastian Berhalter brought the US level with an effort from distance. Substitute Christian Pulisic had multiple opportunities to score, with Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir making crucial saves, including tipping one shot against the post.

In the final moments of the game, Kaan Ayhan secured the victory for Turkey with a prodded finish from Can Uzun‘s touch towards goal. This late goal marked Turkey‘s first World Cup win in over two decades.

Group D developments

Despite the loss, the United States had already secured top spot in their group following a previous win against Australia. They are scheduled to play Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 of the competition on 2 July at 01:00 BST in Santa Clara. Turkey, however, will be eliminated from the competition after finishing at the bottom of their group.

Meanwhile, in another Group D match, the Socceroos of Australia secured their progression to the knockout round of 32 with a draw against Paraguay in Santa Clara. Australia only needed a draw to secure second place in the group. Tony Popovic made six changes to the starting line-up for the match, including giving starts to Nestory Irankunda, Cristian Volpato, Connor Metcalfe, Aziz Behich, Lucas Herrington, and Jackson Irvine.

Irvine was highlighted for his performance in midfield, and Cristian Volpato formed a strong connection with Jordan Bos on the right side of midfield. Bos had Australia‘s best chance of the game late on, with a shot that went just wide. 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, but Belgium, Egypt, or New Zealand still having a chance to be their opponents in Dallas.

The Socceroos‘ coach, Ange Postecoglou, expressed pride in the team’s achievement, noting that it was a significant accomplishment for Australia to advance from the group stage of another World Cup. He emphasised the importance of consistently reaching the knockout stages and winning knockout games for countries like Australia to progress to the next level in international football.

Jordan Bos also shared his thoughts after the match, stating that it was a good performance from the team despite the tough game. He acknowledged that while they wanted to win, securing the draw and advancing to the next round was the primary objective. The United States will face Bosnia-Herzegovina on 2 July.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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First Half Action Sees Goals for Both Sides

The match between Turkiye and the USA featured an active first half, with both teams finding the back of the net. Turkiye initially took a 2-1 lead with a goal from O. Kökçü. This goal came after Guler played in Elmali, who then provided a low cross for Kökçü to convert.

Before Kökçü‘s goal, the USA had an effort disallowed. A corner kick led to an initial header being blocked, followed by a save on Pepi‘s shot. McKenzie put in the rebound, but both players were deemed offside, leading to the goal being ruled out.

The USA had several other opportunities in the first half. McKennie attempted a long-range shot from about 25 yards out, which was deflected by a defender and comfortably pushed away by Cakir. Pepi also played in Scally on the right flank, but Turkiye cleared the resulting cross.

Weah managed to get behind the Turkiye defence but could not centre the ball for Aaronson, with his cross going into the arms of Cakir. McKennie also put a deep cross into the box, but it went over the heads of his teammates.

Second Half Begins with Equaliser

The second half began with Turkiye getting the play underway. Soon after, the USA found an equaliser, making the score 2-2. S. Berhalter scored with a powerful drive from the edge of the box, which went through a cluster of bodies and past Cakir‘s near post after a long throw.

Following the equaliser, Cakir was active, punching a deflected effort from Reyna rather than catching it. Pepi threatened to break through on goal, but Kabak stayed tight and shepherded the ball to the goalkeeper.

The USA made a significant substitution, with Pulisic entering the field for Weah, receiving a standing ovation. Shortly after coming on, Pulisic was involved in the play, bringing down a ball in the left side of the box, but Celik put it out for a goal kick.

Pulisic later had an attempt blocked by Cakir from a narrow angle, with Aaronson‘s follow-up going wide. Cakir was also forced to tip an effort onto the post after a deflected cross hit Pulisic, requiring treatment after colliding with the post.

Match Officials and Venue Details

The match is taking place at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area. The referee for the game is Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria, who is officiating at his second World Cup, having also been involved in 2022. He was previously in charge of Scotland‘s 1-0 victory over Haiti in the group stages of that tournament.

Ghorbal‘s officiating team includes compatriots Mokrane Gourari and Abbes Akram Zehrouni as linesmen. Omar Al Ali is serving as the fourth official, with Mohamed Al-Hammadi as the reserve official. The VAR officials for this fixture are yet to be confirmed.

The USA entered this match guaranteed to top their group, while Turkiye had no chance of moving from the bottom of the table, even with a victory.

The third quarter of the match concluded with Elmali reaching the by-line and pulling the ball back into a dangerous area, though no teammate was there to convert.

Source: tntsports.co.uk

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