USA faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup knockout stage despite a late 3-2 defeat to Turkey. Get ready for the thrilling next match!
The US men’s national team experienced a late defeat against Turkey, with Kaan Ayhan scoring the decisive goal in the final moments of the match, securing a 3-2 victory for Turkey. This result concluded the group stage for the US, who had already secured the top spot in Group D. Despite the loss, the US team is now set to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the knockout stage.
The match, held at Los Angeles Stadium in front of 70,492 fans, saw the US take an early lead through a goal from defender Auston Trusty. However, Turkey responded with two goals in the first half from Arda Güler in the 10th minute and Orkun Kökçü in the 31st minute, marking the first time the US had trailed in the tournament. The US managed to equalise shortly after half-time with a volley from Sebastian Berhalter.
Mauricio Pochettino, the US coach, made significant changes to his squad for this fixture, with nine alterations from the team that played against Australia. Weston McKennie was the sole player retained from the previous starting lineups against Paraguay and Australia. The rotation allowed key players like Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson to rest, potentially avoiding suspensions for the upcoming knockout match.
Squad rotation and defensive concerns
Pochettino’s decision to rotate the squad was influenced by a quad injury to Cristian Roldan, who was unavailable for training throughout the week. This meant the midfield, in particular, lacked some of the fluidity seen in earlier victories. The US started the match strongly, with two chances from Berhalter corner kicks, one of which led to Trusty’s opening goal.
Despite the early lead, the US defence struggled at times. After winning over skeptics with a fluid backline against Paraguay and Australia, the team reverted to a more traditional flat back four against Turkey. This defensive setup had previously been exploited by Belgium in a 5-2 friendly loss in March and had caused difficulties for the US for much of the previous year. Güler’s equaliser highlighted these defensive vulnerabilities, as he capitalised on a scattered backline.
Turkey’s second goal also stemmed from individual defensive lapses, with McKennie being beaten in the air in midfield, leading to a well-executed play that resulted in Kökçü’s goal. These defensive issues, particularly in crucial moments, have raised concerns within the US camp, especially as the tournament progresses to the knockout stages.
The US team showed a different intensity in the second half, pressing more aggressively and tightening their defence. Berhalter’s opportunistic half-volley from an uncleared corner brought the score level. Christian Pulisic, returning from injury, entered the game as a substitute in the 58th minute and created several chances, including a deflected effort that hit the crossbar.
Pochettino expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance in securing the top spot in Group D, despite his visibly annoyed demeanour after the loss. He highlighted the importance of Pulisic getting playing time to be ready for future matches. The coach also noted that the squad rotation provided valuable minutes for players who might be called upon from the bench or to start.
Looking ahead to the knockout stage
The US team’s journey in the World Cup has been marked by historical achievements, including scoring their most goals in a single World Cup game and winning two consecutive matches in the tournament for the first time in the modern era. Securing the top spot in Group D with a game to spare was a significant accomplishment.
The defeat to Turkey, while a setback, does not alter the US team’s path in the tournament. They are scheduled to play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. This match will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area. The team’s ability to respond positively to pressure and the return of key players like Pulisic are seen as encouraging signs for the challenges ahead.
The US team has consistently emphasised a collective approach and accountability among all 26 players. The lessons learned from the late defeat to Turkey are expected to sharpen the mindset of both first-choice and second-choice players as they prepare for the demanding knockout rounds. The upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina will be a crucial test for the team.
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Source: theguardian.com
