Turkey: all the possession, all the chances — and still no goals

Turkey came into the World Cup carrying real momentum and outside expectations, but two matches in, they have turned into one of the tournament’s biggest letdowns. Vincenzo Montella’s side opened with a 2-0 defeat to Australia despite registering 30 shots and dominating 72% of the ball, then followed it up with an even more frustrating 1-0 loss to Paraguay — a game in which they fired 32 attempts, controlled 78% possession, and played the entire second half with a numerical advantage.

The problem has been painfully clear: Turkey simply cannot finish. Across their first two matches, they have produced 62 shots and hit the target 13 times, yet still have nothing to show for it on the scoresheet. Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu have all tried to take responsibility in attack, but without a reliable central finisher, their dominance has remained purely statistical. With elimination already confirmed, Turkey enter the final group match with nothing but pride to play for, while Yunus Akgün is expected to miss out through illness.

USA: hosts flying high after statement start

The United States have put together one of the strongest group-stage performances in their World Cup history. Mauricio Pochettino’s men secured back-to-back victories for the first time since 1930, first sweeping aside Paraguay 4-1 in emphatic fashion before following it up with a composed 2-0 win over Australia.

With six points from two games, the hosts have already wrapped up top spot in the group, but a full-scale rotation still seems unlikely. Christian Pulisic is unavailable through injury, though the rest of the core group are expected to feature in some capacity as Pochettino looks to maintain rhythm before the knockout rounds. The USA have been especially sharp early in matches — five of their six tournament goals have come before halftime — before shifting into a more controlled, pragmatic mode after the interval.

Probable lineups

Turkey: Çakır; Kadioglu, Bardakcı, Demiral, Müldür; Çalhanoğlu, Özkan; Yıldız, Uzun, Güler; Gül.

USA: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Dest; McKennie, Adams, Tillman; Robinson, Pepi, Balogun.

Match facts and head-to-head

Both teams have scored in all five previous meetings between Turkey and the USA.

Four of those five encounters have produced over 2.5 goals.

The USA have scored six goals at this World Cup, with five of them coming in the first half.

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