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.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
