Pochettino rotates squad, US falls 3-2 to Turkey but tops group
The United States lost 3-2 to Turkey in the final Group D match, securing the group-winner spot and a round-of-32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, USA Today reported. Having already guaranteed a knockout berth, coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the starting eleven, fielding a largely new lineup, the Los Angeles Times noted. The overhaul failed to prevent the defeat, as the U. S.
fell behind, scored two goals, and ultimately could not hold off Turkey's comeback, the same report said. Pochettino later emphasized that the United States still topped Group D despite the loss, dismissing press inquiries about momentum, according to The New York Times. He added that the extensive rotation gave key players extra rest and helped avoid suspensions ahead of the knockout stage, the New York Post reported.
