Kaan Ayhan scored with the final kick of the match as Turkey secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States on Thursday, earning its only win of the World Cup despite an earlier group-stage exit.
The United States had already sealed top spot in Group D with victories over Paraguay and Australia and will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Wednesday. Coach Mauricio Pochettino rested several regulars, making nine changes to the starting lineup, while Christian Pulisic returned from a calf injury as a second-half substitute.
Auston Trusty put the Americans ahead in the third minute before Arda Güler equalised in the 10th minute. Orkun Kökçü gave Turkey the lead in the 31st minute after a move initiated by Güler.
Sebastian Berhalter levelled the match in the 49th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box. Pulisic, making his first appearance since suffering a calf injury in the opening match against Paraguay, came on in the 58th minute and quickly created chances, including a shot that struck the post.
Turkey sealed victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Can Uzun squared the ball to Ayhan, who slid home the winner. Trusty’s early goal had matched the US record of seven goals before the knockout stage, while it also became the tournament’s 173rd goal, setting a new World Cup scoring record before the round of 32.