Kaan Ayhan slammed home a loose ball from close range in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Turkey a dramatic 3-2 victory over the United States in their final Group D match at SoFi Stadium. The goal, with virtually the last kick of the game, denied the co-hosts a perfect group-stage record and handed Turkey their first win of the tournament, a consolation after they had already been eliminated.

The match had swung wildly from the outset. The US, showing nine changes from the side that beat Australia, took the lead after only three minutes when Auston Trusty controlled a corner and drove a low shot past goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. Turkey, who had failed to score in their previous two matches, responded swiftly: Arda Guler equalised in the 10th minute, finishing off a move involving Baris Alper Yilmaz, and then Orkun Kokcu put them ahead just after the half-hour mark, converting a cutback from Eren Elmali. The Americans thought they had retaken the lead through Mark McKenzie, but his effort was ruled offside. Sebastian Berhalter, who had provided the assist for the opener, levelled the score at 2-2 four minutes into the second half with a crisp strike from outside the area.

The return of Christian Pulisic, on as a substitute for his first action since aggravating a calf injury in the opening win over Paraguay, injected urgency into the US attack. The winger forced two sharp saves from Cakir and saw a deflected effort loop onto the post. Yet it was Turkey who found the decisive blow. Deep into added time, Guler nutmegged a defender and fed Can Uzun, whose low cross was pushed by goalkeeper Matt Turner into the path of Ayhan, who could not miss.

The result did not alter the group standings. The United States, already assured of top spot, finished with six points. Australia's goalless draw with Paraguay in Santa Clara secured second place for the Socceroos on goal difference, both teams ending on four points. Paraguay must now wait to see if their tally is enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Turkey, despite the win, finished bottom with three points.

Speaking after the match, US coach Mauricio Pochettino, who had made wholesale changes with an eye on the knockout stage, was phlegmatic. 'We had other priorities,' he said. 'What does it mean to win three group matches if you're going to be losing the next one?' The Americans now travel to Santa Clara to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32 on 1 July, while Turkey head home having at least restored some pride.