United States suffer first defeat against Turkey
Tactical draw between Paraguay and Australia
Germany, already qualified, were undone by the determination of Ecuador, who staged a historic comeback to stay alive in the World Cup with a 2-1 win at the MetLife Stadium. Sané opened the scoring in the second minute following an assist from Wirtz, but Nilson Angulo soon equalised with a precise strike from the edge of the area.
In the second half, a corner flicked on by Kevin Rodríguez allowed Gonzalo Plata to beat Neuer and seal the 2-1 victory, sparking the chants of “sí se puede” in the stands. Despite the defeat, the Germany national team finish top of the group, Ivory Coast are second, and the Ecuador national team, with four points and a balanced goal difference (2-2), cling to the chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Fans in Ecuador celebrate the victory – REUTERS/ MIKE SEGAR
With the Ecuadorian triumph and Ivory Coast’s victory over Curaçao, the group concludes with Germany as leaders already through to the round of 32, followed by the Ivorians. Ecuador rely on the general third-place standings to confirm their presence in the knockout stage, while Curaçao are eliminated.
Depending on the bracket, Germany will face a group runner-up in the round of 16 (possibly Paraguay), while Ivory Coast are likely to meet a more demanding leader, such as Norway. If Ecuador confirm their qualification, they will face a group winner, forcing them into another test of resilience against a powerhouse like, potentially, England.
Netherlands, unbeaten leaders
The Netherlands national team reaffirmed their title credentials as unbeaten leaders of Group F after a 1-3 victory over Tunisia in Kansas City, extending their unbeaten run in the tournament to 15 matches. Skhiri scored an own goal for 0-1 and Brian Brobbey made it 0-2 before the seventh minute to put the tie on track.
Tunisia fought back after the interval with a header from Mastouri to reduce the deficit, but Jan Paul van Hecke header from a corner sealed the definitive 1-3. The Oranje maintain their unbeaten record against African nations and head into the round of 32 in fine form, where they will face Morocco in a top-tier clash between two highly competitive projects.
The Dutch players applaud their fans after the match, having qualified for the World Cup round of 16
United States suffer first defeat against Turkey
Turkey bid farewell to the World Cup with a prestigious 3-2 victory over the United States at the SoFi Stadium, breaking the unbeaten run of Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Austin Trusty put the hosts ahead after three minutes, but Arda Güler and Orkun Kökçü turned the scoreline around before half-time.
Following the restart, Sebastian Berhalter equalised by capitalising on a poor clearance, and the United States came close to a third with several chances from Pulisic, which were thwarted by an inspired Çakır. Just as a draw seemed certain, Kaan Ayhan emerged in the 98th minute to secure the 3-2 win, gifting Turkey a triumphant send-off after defeats against Australia and Paraguay.
Despite the slip-up, the United States national team retain the top spot in their group and hold a record for the most goals scored by the US team in a World Cup group stage, with eight goals. The defeat does not alter their path, as Pochettino’s men will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32.
Arda Güler scores his first goal against Matt Turner of the USA – PHOTO/ KIRBY LEE
Tactical draw between Paraguay and Australia
Australia and Paraguay played out a match heavily influenced by the new 48-team format, resulting in a goalless draw that serves the interests of both sides. The Socceroos secured their second consecutive qualification for the knockout rounds, while the Albirroja remain well-positioned to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
The lack of clear chances in a sluggish first half fed the sensation of a mutually convenient result, though Australia showed slightly more initiative through Irvine, Bos, and Volpato. In the second half, Paraguay responded with a long-range effort from Maurício, but late anxiety, combined with off-target attempts from Enciso and Maurício himself, prevented a goal that could have improved their round-of-16 draw.
Paraguayan Julio Enciso in action against Australians Alessandro Circati and Jackson Irvine – PHOTO/ DARREN YAMASHITA via REUTERS
Australia will face the runner-up of Group G in the round of 32, which could be Iran. Paraguay, should they confirm their place in the top 32 as one of the eight best third-placed sides, will meet a group leader such as Germany.
The matchday concluded with a draw for the Japan national team, who now know they will face Brazil in the round of 32. The Asian side enter the clash against the five-time champions in the midst of building a major project, while Brazil face an uncomfortable fixture against a disciplined and quick opponent.