Kaan Ayhan struck a dramatic 98th-minute winner as Türkiye defeated the United States 1-0 to end the co-hosts’ unbeaten start to the FIFA World Cup. The Galatasaray centre-back, who previously represented Schalke, Eintracht Frankfurt and Fortuna Düsseldorf in the Bundesliga before moving to Turkey in 2020, converted from close range ten minutes after entering the pitch for his tournament debut.
The result offered consolation for Vincenzo Montella’s side, who entered the fixture already eliminated from Group D after suffering defeats in their opening two matches. The United States had secured top spot and progression to the Round of 32 prior to kick-off following victories against Paraguay and Australia.
Pochettino rotates heavily
Mauricio Pochettino used the dead rubber to rotate his squad extensively, making nine alterations to the side that defeated Australia on matchday two. Borussia Mönchengladbach pair Joe Scally and Gio Reyna earned their first starts of the tournament, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman dropped to the bench before later appearing as a substitute.
Christian Pulisic returned to the fold after missing the previous game through injury. Weston McKennie retained his place to become the only American player to start all three group stage fixtures, captaining the side from midfield.
Scally lined up in defence alongside Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie, with Matt Turner behind them. Sebastian Berhalter partnered McKennie in the engine room, while Timothy Weah, Reyna and Brenden Aaronson provided support for striker Ricardo Pepi.
Türkiye depart with pride
Montella also reshuffled his eliminated outfit. Hoffenheim defender Ozan Kabak made his World Cup debut, while Salih Özcan, who recently departed Borussia Dortmund upon the expiry of his contract, completed the full 90 minutes in midfield. Eintracht Frankfurt teenager Can Uzun remained among the substitutes despite having accumulated only limited minutes across the first two games.
Ayhan’s last-gasp intervention denied the United States a perfect group record and brought a dramatic conclusion to Türkiye’s campaign. The result leaves the Americans on six points but confirmed as Group D winners, setting up a Round of 32 encounter with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For the Turks, the late victory provided a measure of redemption after a disappointing tournament that saw them fail to convert their chances in earlier defeats. Ayhan’s strike ensured they avoided departing the competition without a point.