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Turkey stunned Group D winners USA 3-2 with a stoppage-time winner, while Australia secured a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a goalless draw with Paraguay.
(Credit: AP)
Turkey bowed out of the FIFA World Cup with their heads held high after shocking co-hosts United States 3-2 in a thrilling Group D finale, thanks to Kaan Ayhan’s dramatic stoppage-time winner.
Already confirmed as group winners, the Americans rotated heavily with one eye on next week’s Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Turkey, meanwhile, entered the contest already eliminated after back-to-back defeats to Australia and Paraguay, seeking only to salvage pride.
The hosts made a dream start for the third consecutive game. Defender Auston Trusty, one of nine changes to Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI, controlled a corner at the far post before smashing home his first international goal after less than three minutes—one of the fastest goals ever scored by the United States at a World Cup.
Turkey, however, finally found their scoring touch after drawing a blank in their opening two matches. Real Madrid star Arda Guler levelled in the 10th minute after a clever move involving Baris Alper Yilmaz before Yilmaz himself completed the turnaround just after the half-hour mark, finishing off a flowing team move to hand the Turks a 2-1 lead.
The United States responded immediately after halftime. Sebastian Berhalter rifled home from the edge of the box after Turkey failed to clear a long throw, restoring parity at 2-2.
The home crowd then welcomed back captain Christian Pulisic, making his first appearance since aggravating an injury in the tournament opener. The forward injected fresh energy into the attack, forcing two close-range saves and even striking the post, but the winner never arrived.
Instead, Turkey had the final say. Deep into stoppage time, Kaan Ayhan pounced from close range to seal a memorable victory and hand the Americans their first defeat of the tournament.
Australia Join USA In Knockout Stage
Elsewhere, Australia booked their place in the Round of 32 after battling to a goalless draw against Paraguay in Santa Clara.
The Socceroos finished second in Group D behind the United States, marking only the third time they have progressed beyond the World Cup group stage in seven appearances.
Paraguay’s point also kept them firmly in contention to qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, while the United States advanced as Group D winners despite Thursday’s defeat.
(with AFP inputs)
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After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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