Turkey secures victory in Group D match
Turkey ended the United States‘ unbeaten start in the World Cup with a stoppage-time winner in Los Angeles. This victory marked Turkey’s first in the tournament since 2002. Kaan Ayhan scored the decisive goal with the final kick of the match, after Turkey had initially fallen behind early in the game.
The co-hosts, despite making significant changes to their line-up, had a strong start. Auston Trusty scored for the United States just two minutes and 13 seconds into the match. This goal stands as the second quickest ever scored by the US in a World Cup, following Clint Dempsey’s goal in 2014.
However, Vincenzo Montella’s Turkish side, who had previously lost their two opening games, soon found their rhythm. Arda Guler scored Turkey’s first goal of this year’s finals, converting a close-range finish from Baris Alper Yilmaz’s reverse pass. Later, Orkun Kokcu’s shot appeared to deflect off Yilmaz’s thigh, completing a move that involved Guler, as Turkey took the lead.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side, the United States, increased their intensity after half-time and equalised through Sebastian Berhalter’s effort from approximately 20 yards. Substitute Christian Pulisic had three attempts on goal, with Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir making a notable save to tip one shot against the post.
At the other end, Kenan Yildiz curled a shot wide, and Yilmaz lost his footing in a promising position before Ayhan secured the win by converting Can Uzun’s touch towards goal.
Australia advances to last 32
In another Group D fixture, Australia secured their spot in the World Cup’s round of 32 following a 0-0 draw against Paraguay. The match, described as physical and scrappy, took place at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. This result means the Socceroos have reached the knockout phase of the tournament for a third time.
Tony Popovic’s team finished second in Group D, behind co-hosts the United States. Australia is set to face the second-placed team from Group G. Paraguay, with four points, faces an anxious wait to see if they will advance as one of the best third-placed teams, with their fate depending on other results in upcoming group matches.
Popovic made six changes to his starting eleven for the match, bringing in Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato to the forward line. Jordan Bos moved from left-back to right to cover for an injured player. Australia created promising attacks, particularly down the right flank, but struggled to find the finishing touch.
Early in the game, Volpato set up Jackson Irvine, whose angled shot was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Bos and Volpato also forced saves from Gill later in the first half. Paraguay, restricted to one shot in the first half, introduced Mauricio at the break. Julio Enciso also contributed to Paraguay’s attacking efforts, creating several opportunities.
Enciso had a notable chance eight minutes from time, with a low shot that went wide. In the 89th minute, Bos charged into the box and sent a shot fizzing past the far post. Mauricio later tested Australia’s goalkeeper Beach with a low shot from the edge of the area. Australia held on for the draw, securing their progression.
Upcoming fixtures
While Turkey will exit the tournament after finishing at the bottom of their group, the United States, having secured top spot in Group D with their win over Australia, is scheduled to play Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 of the competition. This match is set for 2 July at 01:00 BST in Santa Clara.
Paraguay’s advancement depends on the outcomes of other final group matches in the coming days, including Egypt facing Iran and Belgium meeting New Zealand on Friday.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Sam Whitlock is a Sports News Writer at News-GB.org. He moved from local newspapers into digital sport. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Gloucestershire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Gloucester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight game. “Clarity beats cleverness in breaking sport news.”