Image credit: FIFA World CupTurkey signed off from the FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States, scoring the winning goal with virtually the final kick of the match on Thursday.Kaan Ayhan was the hero for Turkey, finding the net deep into stoppage time after Can Uzun squared the ball across the goal. Although Turkey had already been knocked out after losing their first two group matches, they ended their campaign on a high with an entertaining win over the already-qualified hosts.The United States had secured top spot in Group D before kickoff with wins over Paraguay and Australia. Mauricio Pochettino rested several regular starters, making nine changes to the lineup, with Christian Pulisic returning from injury as a second-half substitute.USA strike early, Turkey hit backThe hosts made the perfect start when defender Auston Trusty scored in just the third minute to send the home fans into celebration.Turkey responded quickly through Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler, who finished off a fine move in the 10th minute to level the score. Guler then turned provider just before half-time, helping create the move that ended with Orkun Kokcu putting Turkey 2-1 ahead.Berhalter levels, Pulisic returnsThe United States fought back soon after the restart. Sebastian Berhalter struck from outside the box in the 49th minute to make it 2-2.Pulisic returned to action in the 58th minute after recovering from a calf injury that had kept him out since the opening match. The AC Milan midfielder made an immediate impact, creating chances with his direct running and came close to scoring himself. His best effort struck the post, while Brenden Aaronson failed to convert the rebound.Ayhan seals dramatic winJust when the game looked set to end in a draw, Turkey found one final attack in the eighth minute of stoppage time. Can Uzun collected the ball at the far post and squared it to Ayhan, who slid in to score the dramatic winner.It was Turkey's only victory of the tournament after defeats in their opening two group matches.USA march on despite defeatThe match also produced another tournament milestone. Trusty's early goal was the United States' seventh of the World Cup, matching the country's highest group-stage scoring tally. It also became the 173rd goal of the tournament, setting a new record for the most goals scored at a single World Cup before the knockout stage.Despite the defeat, the United States progress to the Round of 32 as Group D winners and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday. Turkey, meanwhile, bow out with a morale-boosting victory after an otherwise disappointing campaign.
USA vs Turkey, FIFA World Cup match result: Kaan Ayhan shines as Turkey edge USA 3-2 with dramatic last-gasp winner despite early elimination
Turkey signed off from the FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the United States, scoring the winning goal with virtually the final kick of the match on Thursday.










