"We'll learn from this" - Disappointment for Turkey

Relief, but still disappointment after Turkey's third and final group stage match!

The nation, which had an absolutely terrible start to the tournament with two defeats and no goals scored, celebrated their first victory against the USA and scored three goals (to the match report >>>).

Turkey celebrates late victory

For a long time, however, things didn't look bright for the Turks once again. As early as the third minute, they conceded a goal by Trusty (3'), but this was followed by a quick equalizer from Güler (10') and their first lead (31'/Yilmaz).

Nevertheless, the hosts scored the 2-2 equalizer shortly after the break (49'/Berhalter). The guests only celebrated the winning goal deep into injury time (90+8'/Kaan Ayhan).

End of the road after the group stage

"It was important for us to go home with a win and show what we're capable of," says Salih Özcan after the match, but adds: "Of course, the disappointment is still there. The team deserved more."

Despite securing three points, it was already clear before the match that they would have to pack their bags and that the dream of a good World Cup result would be shattered. The last place in the group was already sealed.

Özcan: "Team has quality"

They lost 0-2 against Australia and 0-1 against Paraguay. "If you don't start this tournament well, it's difficult. Nowadays, every team can play good football and fight, we saw that," explains the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

The victory in Group D was already secured for the host country before the match against Turkey, so coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the lineup. Özcan was unimpressed by this: "It's important that we win the game. And whether they ultimately played with a C-team was irrelevant to me."

Nevertheless, he is already trying to look positively towards the future: "The team has quality and a broad squad. We'll learn our lessons from this and try to make the most of it in the coming years."

The USA will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, who finished third in Group B, in the Round of 32 in Santa Clara.