ATLANTA — The road just got tougher for the U.S. Men’s National Team in the World Cup, especially after Turkey’s 1-0 victory over Kosovo, which allowed them to advance to Group D.
Turkey also managed to defeat Romania by the same score and came in as favorites among the UEFA qualifying teams, which included Slovakia and Romania.
“We really have a solid team,” Christian Pulisic mentioned. “It’s exciting for us. The game in Los Angeles is going to be great. It’s the final match in the group, and there’s a lot at stake.”
Last June, the U.S. faced Turkey and lost 2-1 in a friendly match, and unfortunately, they didn’t field their strongest squad. Key players like Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams were missing during that matchup. This situation is a reminder that the upcoming games in June won’t be easy.
The U.S. group also includes Paraguay and Australia. Initially, a draw seemed favorable for the United States, but it quickly became clear that the four-team setup wasn’t straightforward. The Americans could have an edge, but, unlike in other 48-team World Cup groups, any team can come out on top.
As for Turkey, they might be the hardest challenge among the three opponents, especially with their game against the U.S. set for June 25. It could turn out to be a critical matchup.
Turkey boasts impressive talent, including Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz from Juventus. Hakan Calhanoglu from Inter Milan and Brighton’s Ferdi Cagioglu have also shown strong performances against both Kosovo and Romania. Their lone goal in Tuesday’s match came from Fenerbahce’s Kerem Aturkoglu.
Coach Vincenzo Montella has had a notable coaching career, mainly in Italy, and now he’s led Turkey to their third World Cup, the last appearance being in 2002 when they finished third in South Korea and Japan.
U.S. goaltender Matt Freese expressed, “I have the same mentality. It doesn’t matter who I’m up against. Every match, I just aim to win. That’s the goal, and that’s what matters to me.”
In other UEFA qualifier news, Sweden triumphed over Poland, the Czech Republic beat Denmark, and Bosnia and Herzegovina took down Italy.
Sweden will join Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia, while the Czech Republic will compete in Group A with Mexico, South Africa, and South Korea. Bosnia, by knocking out Italy, will be in Group B with Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo defeated Jamaica in the FIFA intercontinental play-off, securing a spot in Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. The final match to determine a 48th place was between Iraq and Bolivia, which began late Tuesday night.
