KABUL (Pajhwok): Türkiye came from behind to defeat a heavily rotated United States side 3-2, with Kaan Ayhan scoring a late winner in an action-packed dead-rubber as both teams wrapped up their group-stage campaigns ahead of the knockout rounds.
Already confirmed as Group D winners, the United States fielded a changed lineup while keeping one eye on their upcoming last-32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Al Jazeera.
Türkiye, meanwhile, entered the match already eliminated and without a goal in the tournament after defeats to Paraguay and Australia, aiming mainly to restore pride.
Despite the low stakes and extensive rotations, a packed Los Angeles Stadium produced an intense atmosphere.
The United States made a flying start for the third straight game, taking the lead inside three minutes when backup centre-back Auston Trusty was left unmarked at the far post and fired home from a corner for his first international goal.
Türkiye responded quickly, ending a 62-shot goalless run in the tournament when Arda Güler equalised in the 10th minute after combining with Barış Alper Yılmaz.
The visitors then took control before halftime. In the 31st minute, Güler picked out Eren Elmalı’s overlapping run, and the wing-back delivered a cut-back for Yılmaz, who finished to put Türkiye ahead 2-1.
The US thought they had equalised through Mark McKenzie, but his effort was ruled offside after Ricardo Pepi’s saved attempt.
Türkiye later extended their advantage before the United States pulled one back, but Kaan Ayhan’s late strike sealed a 3-2 victory for the visitors.
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