Turkey 3-2 USA in the Ninth Minute of Stoppage Time: American Dreams Survive Anyway

[Sparrow]

The United States lost 3-2 to Turkey in a match that ended in the ninth minute of stoppage time with Kaan Ayhan poking home a winner. The USA had already won Group D before the match kicked off. They topped the group with seven points regardless of this result. But losing to an already-eliminated Turkey in stoppage time when you're celebrating qualification is exactly the kind of result that creates questions going into the knockout rounds. Turkey were already out. They had nothing to lose. They played accordingly. The USA's defensive fragility that has been noted all tournament was exposed again. Balogun scored twice and played well. The defence did not. The knockout round begins now and the defensive issues need addressing.

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[Pale Connor]

Losing in stoppage time to an eliminated team when you've already won the group is the most USA thing that could happen. They'll be absolutely fine and also absolutely terrifying to watch

[Cole75]

Balogun scoring twice is the positive to take. He's been the best American striker at this tournament and he's only getting better

[StormForge62]

The defensive numbers all tournament have been concerning. Individual quality isn't the issue. The structure breaks down under pressure

[GhostRider89]

Turkey played with complete freedom having nothing to lose. The ninth minute of stoppage time winner is peak World Cup chaos

[Ryan98]

Group winners face second-place finishers from another group in the Round of 32. USA's bracket position is actually favourable despite the loss

[Warden]

The attendance record being broken at this match tells you something about host nation support. The crowd was extraordinary

[Grim Tracey]

Berhalter will be disappointed but honest about what the defensive issues mean. The next opponent will have studied every USA match

[Foundry42]

Stoppage time losses when the result doesn't matter are sometimes good for a team. Reminds them standards exist even in meaningless games

[TheLegendJohn32]

Paraguay and Australia going through on a 0-0 draw simultaneously is the other Group D story. Both happy to qualify any way possible

[Jacob_69]

USA's knockout draw mattered more than this result. The stoppage time Turkey goal became a footnote in history