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Last minute Turkiye goal downs USMNT 3-2 in final World Cup group stage match as USA win Group D and advance

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Mauricio Pochettino’s men had clinched first place in the group, with a heavily rotating side losing to a stoppage time dagger

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With almost the last kick of the game, the United States men’s national team lost to Türkiye 2-2 in Los Angeles on Thursday. Christian Pulisic made his return to the pitch following a thigh injury as Mauricio Pochettino heavily rotated to a good effect. Only two starters from the USMNT’s victory over Australia kept their places: Weston McKennie and Ricardo Pepi. Kaan Ayhan snatched the game in the 98th minute of play, stopping the United States from going undefeated during the group stage.

It only took three minutes for Senastian Berhater to deliver an assist for Auston Trusty’s first goal of his national team career before Türkiye’s 63rd shot of the tournament beat Matt Turner and the defense to level the game only 10 minutes in. The sloppiness would continue with Orkun Kokcu giving Türkiye a lead going into the half, but right after the half, Berhalter hit an absolute belter from outside the box to become the first USMNT player to record a goal and an assist in the World Cup in the modern era.

While there’s plenty of room for improvement, Pochettino ran out the B team, and they got a real test, facing a Türkiye side that was already knocked out. Now preparation shifts to July first when the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara when the World Cup truly gets real as the round of 32 and the knockout stage begins

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United States 2, Türkiye 3 (FT)

2′ – From their second corner kick of the game, it’s Auston Trusty! It’s his first goal for the United States in his second shot on target this quickly. Talk about a fast start.

10′ – Ah, yes, that’s what happens when you rotate this much as Arda Guler strikes for Türkye.

32′ – After the United States had a goal ruled out for offside, Kokcu scored to put Türkye ahead, it’s the first time that they’ve trailed during the World Cup.

49′ – Sebastian Berhalter has a hit from distance, and now we’re back level in the match. That was important to settle things down.

98′ –  A late, late winner comes from chaos in the box as Kaan Ayhan snatches the game.

A possible injury

Going into stoppage time Auston Trusty has gone down with an ankle injury on the same day that he has scored his first goal for the USMNT. Just brutal, but he’s at least walking and may try to come back into the game.

Weston McKennie exits

Malik Tillman comes on as McKennie leaves to an ovation from the crowd after an excellent performance.

Ringing in the changes

Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, and Alex Zendejas have entered. Christian Pulisic almost found the back of the net but was just wide as the USMNT look more likely to score.

Tim Weah out, Christian Pulisic in

It’s his first appearance for the USMNT since being removed after the first half against Paraguay. With a chance to win all three games in the group stage for the first time, there’s no way Pulisic doesn’t want to turn this around.

Christian Pulisic is about to enter

After recovering from injury, he’s about to get a run of 30 minutes tonight.

Sebastian Berhalter from distance

The USMNT man was able to latch onto a long throw and delivered an absolute laser of a finish into the back of the net. The team needed that one after how they were losing control of the match.

Back underway and more of the same

Weah tries to find a teammate and can’t get his cross to come off. Not one of the best games that he has had.

No one got hurt

So far, despite the disorganization, that half is okay, despite the fact that substitutes in the attack aren’t showing why they should start a game. It’ll be interesting to see how they bounce back in the second half of play.

Six minutes of stoppage

This team has become quite disorganized, bring on the half for adjustments.

For the first time, the Untied State are behind at the World Cup

This has been a team getting out to fast starts left and right, and after Türkiye’s latest goal, the United States will need to show that they can fight back in the match.

Guler has become the youngest ever goal scorer for Türkiye

At only 21, he’s someone who will be central to whatever Türkiye does in the future, and it’ll still be a bright one.

Defense, what defense?

It took 63 shots, but finally Türkiye have their goal after capitalizing on mistakes by the USMNT defense, and Arda Guler has an easy finish. This is wide open and will be a fascinating watch.

It’s a fast start

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