U.S. coach Pochettino's extensive lineup changes fail as Turkey wins 3-2
With a knockout spot already secured, the United States made nine changes to its starting XI against Turkey, but the overhaul did not prevent a 3-2 defeat.
The United States lost 3-2 to Turkey in its final group-stage match after coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the lineup, giving 21 players a start. The result ended the hosts' unbeaten run, though they had already qualified for the knockout round.
Turkey secured the win with a stoppage-time goal by Kaan Ayhan, their only victory of the tournament. The United States had taken an early lead through Auston Trusty, scoring within three minutes, but Turkey equalised in the 10th minute and took the lead in the 31st.
"The objective was to finish first and we are first. Now it is the next stage and it is going to be a final. And we are ready. We are much better than before that game because we had players now with 90 minutes in their legs and performing and really to help if we need from the beginning or after from the bench. It's all positive. And I am so positive and I am happy," Pochettino said.
Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who contributed a goal and an assist, said the broad rotation gave the squad depth for the upcoming round of 32.
"We know everyone's ready to step up at any moment. I think you saw that today. We let some moments get away from us, but I thought the performances overall were good," Berhalter said.
Pochettino's nine-player overhaul set a record for the most changes by an American coach in consecutive World Cup matches, and Alejandro Zendejas' appearance marked the 23rd U.S. player to feature in the tournament, also a record. The United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in its first elimination game on Wednesday in Santa Clara.
