Turkey ended their World Cup campaign on a positive note by defeating co-hosts the United States with the final touch of the match in Los Angeles. Although already eliminated after losing their opening two fixtures, Vincenzo Montella’s team claimed their first World Cup win since 2002 thanks to Kaan Ayhan’s stoppage-time goal.
The home side enjoyed an ideal beginning despite making nine alterations to the starting line-up. Backed by a lively crowd that included Hollywood actors Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, and Owen Wilson, the United States went ahead after only two minutes and 13 seconds when Celtic defender Auston Trusty was left completely free at a corner before firing a low finish beyond Ugurcan Cakir.
Trusty’s effort became the second-fastest goal ever scored by the United States at a World Cup, behind only Clint Dempsey’s strike after 30 seconds against Ghana in 2014.
Visitors turn the contest around before the break
Turkey recovered quickly after the early setback and found an equaliser through Arda Güler. Baris Alper Yilmaz provided the assist with a clever reverse pass, allowing the Real Madrid midfielder to score from close range for Turkey’s first goal of the tournament.
The visitors continued to threaten and completed the comeback before half-time. A flowing attack down the left, once again involving Guler, ended with Orkun Kokcu’s effort appearing to take a touch off Yilmaz before crossing the line.
After a difficult start to the competition, Turkey entered the interval with the advantage after producing an impressive response to conceding inside the opening minutes.
Ayhan settles entertaining encounter in stoppage time
The United States returned for the second half with greater urgency and restored parity through Sebastian Berhalter, whose low strike from around 20 yards found the bottom-left corner.
Christian Pulisic, introduced from the bench, came close to putting the hosts ahead on three occasions. Ugurcan Cakir produced an outstanding save to push one of his attempts onto the post, while at the opposite end Kenan Yildiz curled narrowly wide and Baris Alper Yilmaz slipped when well placed to score.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Turkey found one final opportunity. Can Uzun directed the ball towards the goal, and Kaan Ayhan applied the finishing touch with the last kick of the game to seal victory. Despite the defeat, the United States had already secured first place in the group after beating Australia and will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the last 32 on 2 July at 01:00 BST in Santa Clara, while Turkey finished bottom of the group and exited the tournament.
