A last-second goal ends the World Cup honeymoon for Mauricio Pochettino and the USA. Now the real work begins - CNN
The USA men’s national team experienced a late defeat against Turkey in their final World Cup group stage match, conceding a goal in the last moments of the game. This 3-2 loss, marked by Kaan Ayhan’s decisive strike, ended the Americans’ perfect record in the tournament after two initial victories.
Despite the defeat, the USA had already secured the top spot in Group D, setting up a Round of 32 encounter against Bosnia and Herzegovina. This upcoming match is scheduled for July 1 in the San Francisco Bay Area, offering a favourable path for a deeper tournament run.
Squad Rotation and Early Lead
Mauricio Pochettino, the USA coach, opted for significant squad rotation for the match against Turkey, making nine changes from the team that previously faced Australia. This decision allowed key players such as Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson to rest and avoid potential suspensions for the knockout stage. Weston McKennie was the only player to retain his starting position from the previous matches against Paraguay and Australia.
The Americans started the game strongly, with Auston Trusty scoring an opening goal in the third minute. This early lead, following a corner kick, marked the third consecutive game in which the USA scored early. However, Turkey responded with two first-half goals, from Arda Güler in the 10th minute and Orkun Kökçü in the 31st minute, marking the first time the USA had trailed in the tournament.
The defensive struggles were evident, particularly with a more traditional flat back four formation that had previously shown vulnerabilities. Güler’s equalizer, for instance, came after he exploited a scattered backline. Turkey’s second goal also capitalized on individual defensive errors in midfield.
Second-Half Fightback and Late Drama
The USA showed a different intensity in the second half, pressing more aggressively and tightening their defence. Sebastian Berhalter equalized shortly after half-time with a well-struck volley, providing a crucial response. The team created several other opportunities that could have altered the outcome of the match.
A significant moment in the second half was the return of Christian Pulisic, who entered the game in the 58th minute. Pulisic, coming back from injury, immediately looked impactful, generating numerous chances and appearing to be in game-changing form. Pochettino noted the importance of Pulisic getting 30 to 40 minutes of play to be ready for the upcoming knockout match.
Despite the renewed effort and Pulisic’s contributions, including a sequence in the 63rd minute where his deflected shot hit the crossbar, the USA could not find a third goal. The match culminated in the final seconds when Güler’s cross found an unmarked Ayhan, who secured the win for Turkey.
Implications for the Knockout Stage
The loss to Turkey, while not affecting the USA’s progression as group winners, has raised questions about the team’s defensive solidity, particularly in high-pressure situations. The team’s backline has been identified as a potential weakness, a concern that existed even before the tournament began. The shutout against Australia was the first clean sheet the team had kept since a friendly nearly a year prior.
The match against Turkey, played in front of 70,492 fans at Los Angeles Stadium, served as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The Bosnia and Herzegovina team, who will be playing in their nation’s first World Cup knockout game, are expected to bring a similar intensity to the upcoming fixture in Santa Clara. The USA will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities as they transition into the higher stakes of the knockout rounds.
The team has consistently emphasized a collective approach and accountability. The defeat, if processed constructively, could serve as a crucial learning experience for both first-choice players and those who featured in the rotated squad. The true test of this team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure will come on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium.
Source: cnn.com
