Pochettino walks out of press conference after US loss to Turkey, insists 'we won the group'

Match recap

A heavily rotated United States side fell 3-2 to Turkey at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday, conceding a stoppage-time winner from Kaan Ayhan with the last kick of the game. The US had already clinched first place in Group D after victories over Paraguay and Australia, allowing Pochettino to make nine changes to his starting lineup. Auston Trusty gave the co-hosts an early lead in the third minute, but Turkey responded through Arda Guler in the 10th minute and Baris Yilmaz in the 31st. Sebastian Berhalter levelled shortly after halftime with a long-range strike, before Ayhan settled the dead rubber in the eighth minute of added time.

Turkey had been eliminated before kickoff and had failed to score in their opening two matches, ending a drought that stretched to 62 attempts. The win restored some pride for the visitors, while the US turned their attention to the knockout stage.

Pochettino's press conference

Pochettino took exception to the tone of post-match questioning, telling journalists he expected congratulations for winning the group rather than scrutiny of a defeat in a match with nothing at stake. "At the moment no one congratulated us for finishing first in a very difficult group," he said. "I congratulate the players, the staff and the fans to finish first in a very difficult group."

“I'm so positive and I'm happy. Your questions are a little bit weird.”

He dismissed talk of lost momentum, asking whether Germany had lost momentum after their own group-stage defeat, and repeatedly stressed that the objective had been achieved. After several exchanges, he stood up and left the room, saying: "I need to remind everyone we won the group, sorry guys, we won."

Pulisic returns

Christian Pulisic made his first appearance since halftime of the opening match, having missed the Australia game with a calf injury. Introduced in the 58th minute, the winger immediately lifted the tempo and went close to scoring three times, forcing saves from Ugurcan Cakir and curling an effort narrowly wide. His sharpness offered a timely reminder of his value ahead of the knockout rounds, though concerns linger over the injury.

“He's a special player... he can come in and be that player to create something out of thin air.”

What's next

The US will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 in Santa Clara on Wednesday. Australia secured second place in Group D with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay, who also advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, a result that eliminated Scotland. Pochettino rested four key starters who were at risk of yellow-card suspension, and all will be available with a clean slate for the knockout stage.