ELIMINATED Turkey ended the United States’ unbeaten run at the World Cup with a dramatic stoppage-time victory, while Australia booked their place in the last 32 and Paraguay moved to the brink of qualification after the final round of Group D matches.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that already-eliminated Turkey stunned group winners the United States 3-2 in Los Angeles courtesy of a last-gasp winner from Kaan Ayhan, while Australia and Paraguay played out a goalless draw in San Francisco, a result that secured Australia’s progression and left Paraguay almost certain of advancing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Although Turkey finished bottom of the group despite the victory, they bowed out with their first World Cup win since 2002. The United States, meanwhile, had already guaranteed top spot after defeating Australia and will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 on July 2 at 01:00 BST in Santa Clara.
The atmosphere in Los Angeles was electric, with Hollywood stars including Brad Pitt, Ed Norton and Owen Wilson among the spectators as the co-hosts made a dream start despite making nine changes to their starting line-up.
The United States needed only two minutes and 13 seconds to take the lead when Celtic defender Auston Trusty found himself completely unmarked from a corner before drilling a low effort beyond Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
Trusty’s strike became the second-fastest goal ever scored by the United States at a World Cup, behind only Clint Dempsey’s famous 30-second opener against Ghana in 2014.
Turkey, however, quickly recovered after losing their opening two matches of the tournament.
Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler scored Turkey’s first goal of the finals when he finished from close range following an intelligent reverse pass by Baris Alper Yilmaz.
The Turks completed the turnaround before half-time as Orkun Kokcu’s effort appeared to take a slight touch off Yilmaz’s thigh at the end of a flowing move initiated once again by the impressive Guler.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and restored parity through Sebastian Berhalter, whose superb 20-yard strike found the bottom-left corner.
Substitute Christian Pulisic came close to winning the contest on three separate occasions, with Cakir producing an outstanding save to push one of his efforts onto the post.
Turkey also threatened repeatedly during the closing stages. Kenan Yildiz curled narrowly wide, while Yilmaz slipped at a crucial moment when he looked poised to score.
With virtually the final kick of the game, Can Uzun’s touch inside the penalty area found Kaan Ayhan, who calmly prodded home the decisive goal to seal a memorable victory for Turkey.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Australia secured their passage into the knockout rounds after settling for a goalless draw against Paraguay in a match that suited both sides.
The Socceroos required only a point to qualify automatically as Group D runners-up, while Paraguay knew that a fourth point would almost certainly be enough to secure one of the eight best third-placed places.
The cautious encounter offered little entertainment and may further fuel debate over the tournament format that allows some third-placed teams to progress, with neither side prepared to take significant risks.
Australia will now meet the runners-up from the group containing Egypt, Iran and Belgium on July 3 at 19:00 BST.
Paraguay, as things stand, are set to face Group E winners Germany in the last 32 on Monday at 21:30 BST.
Australia made the stronger start and carried the greater attacking intent throughout the first half.
Jackson Irvine forced goalkeeper Orlando Gill into an early save inside four minutes before the Paraguay shot-stopper denied Cristian Volpato’s curling effort later in an otherwise subdued opening period.
Paraguay offered little going forward before the break, managing only a tame, off-target effort while operating with a five-man defence following the suspension of Miguel Almiron, who missed the match after being sent off against Turkey.
The South Americans improved significantly after switching to a back four during the second half.
Half-time substitute Mauricio tested Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach within five minutes of entering the contest, while Julio Enciso became increasingly influential in attack.
Former Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez received a booking that will rule him out of Paraguay’s first knockout fixture should they qualify, while Sunderland defender Omar Alderete was eventually forced off after injuring his left knee.
Both sides had opportunities to snatch victory late on.
Jordan Bos came close for Australia in the closing seconds, while Mauricio squandered Paraguay’s best chance deep into stoppage time when his low strike from the edge of the area was comfortably saved by Beach.
In the end, the stalemate delivered exactly what both nations required.
Australia advanced safely to the last 32, Paraguay moved within touching distance of qualification, the United States progressed despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament, and Turkey exited the competition on a high after producing one of the biggest upsets of the group stage.