Turkey ends US unbeaten run in World Cup Group D
In a World Cup Group D fixture in Los Angeles, Turkey secured a victory over the United States, ending the co-hosts’ unbeaten run. The match saw Kaan Ayhan score a decisive goal in stoppage time, marking Turkey’s first win in the tournament since 2002.
The game began with the United States taking an early lead within three minutes. Auston Trusty, a defender, scored for the US after being left open during a corner. This goal, which occurred just two minutes and 13 seconds into the match, is noted as the second-fastest goal scored by the US in a World Cup, following Clint Dempsey’s goal against Ghana in 2014.
Turkey’s comeback and US efforts
Despite the early setback, Vincenzo Montella’s Turkish side, who had previously lost their initial two games, began to find their rhythm. Arda Guler scored Turkey’s first goal of the tournament, converting a close-range finish from a pass by Baris Alper Yilmaz. Turkey then took the lead when Orkun Kokcu’s shot appeared to deflect off Yilmaz’s thigh, following a move that again involved Guler.
After the half-time interval, Mauricio Pochettino’s US team increased their intensity and managed to level the score. Sebastian Berhalter found the bottom left corner with a shot from approximately 20 yards out. Substitute Christian Pulisic had multiple opportunities to score, with Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir making a notable save that tipped one effort onto the post.
At the other end, Kenan Yildiz curled a shot wide, and Yilmaz lost his footing in a promising scoring position. The match concluded with Ayhan turning in a touch from Can Uzun towards goal, securing the win for Turkey.
Group D implications and knockout stage
While Turkey will exit the tournament after finishing at the bottom of their group, the United States, who had already secured the top spot in Group D with a prior victory over Australia, will advance to the last 32.
The qualification rules for this World Cup place significant emphasis on the head-to-head record between teams rather than goal difference, which was a primary factor in previous tournaments. This rule change has already seen the US secure their top spot and Turkey eliminated before their final group match.
The remaining qualification spot from Group D will be decided between Australia and Paraguay. The winner of their upcoming match will automatically qualify for the knockout stages. If their game results in a draw, Australia would qualify in second place due to their superior goal difference, leaving Paraguay to await other results to see if they can progress as one of the best eight third-placed nations.
In cases where multiple teams are level on points, a mini-league is formed using results from the matches between those specific teams. Further tie-breakers include goal difference and goals scored in these head-to-head matches, followed by overall group goal difference and goals scored. The Team Conduct Score (TCS), which is a fair play score based on accumulated cards, is also used as a tie-breaker, with the higher Fifa ranking from June’s update being the final determinant if teams remain level.
Teams finishing third in their groups with four or more points are likely to advance, while those with three points will need a strong goal difference to progress.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
