Turkey end World Cup on high with last-gasp win over USA

Turkey came out on top in the last minute of an end-to-end 3-2 win over a second-string USA side in their final Group D match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Turkey ended their World Cup campaign on a high note with a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Kenan Karaman. With the USA already qualified for the knockout stage, head coach Gregg Berhalter fielded an entirely second-string lineup, resting all his regular starters. Turkey, already eliminated, fielded their strongest XI in a bid to salvage pride. The match started at a frantic pace. Turkey took the lead in the 15th minute when Cengiz Ünder's cross found Burak Yılmaz, who headed home from close range. The USA responded quickly, with Ricardo Pepi latching onto a long ball and slotting past the goalkeeper in the 28th minute. Just before halftime, Hakan Çalhanoğlu's long-range effort was spilled by the USA keeper, and Yılmaz pounced on the rebound to restore Turkey's lead. The second half saw the USA push forward, and in the 63rd minute, Brenden Aaronson's powerful strike from the edge of the box hit the underside of the bar and went in to make it 2-2. Both teams had chances to win it in regulation, but it was Turkey who found the decisive goal in the third minute of added time. Çalhanoğlu swung in a free kick, Merih Demiral headed across goal, and Karaman volleyed home from close range to spark wild celebrations among the Turkish players and fans. The win gave Turkey their first points of the tournament, finishing third in Group D with three points. Despite the early exit, the team showed character and fight in their final match. For the USA, the defeat was a minor setback, but Berhalter's rotation policy allowed key players to rest ahead of the knockout rounds. Turkey coach Stefan Kuntz praised his team's resilience: "We showed the quality of Turkish football. This victory is for our fans." USA coach Berhalter remained upbeat: "Our second string performed well. We achieved our objective of resting players. Now we focus on the next round."

Turkey end World Cup on high with last-gasp win over USA

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