Despite both sides knowing their fate before kick-off - with the USA confirmed as group winners and Turkey already eliminated - the contest delivered a thrilling opening 10 minutes at the SoFi Stadium.
Celtic’s Austin Trusty evaded his marker at a corner to slot home a first-ever international goal after just three minutes, before Real Madrid starlet Arda Güler’s close-range finish quickly dragged Turkey level with their first goal of the tournament.
The furious tempo did not relent before the break, as Weston McKennie’s goal was ruled out for offside on the half-hour mark, before Orkun Kökçü put Turkey ahead less than 60 seconds later, as he neatly finished off a brilliant passing move.
Roared on by a huge home following, the co-hosts stormed back onto level terms just four minutes after the restart, as Sebastian Berhalter reacted sharply to a weak Turkish clearance to crash home his maiden USA goal from the edge of the box. That tipped the balance of the contest back in favour of the group leaders as Uğurcan Çakır produced an astonishing stop from substitute Christian Pulisic on 64 minutes.
USA were firmly on top as they went in search of a third goal and came agonisingly close when a cross into the danger zone came off Pulisic but Çakır was alert to save onto the post, before the AC Milan forward sent another effort inches past the post from the edge of the 18-yard box.
USA were unable to find the third goal as Turkey stunned the co-hosts in the 98th minute, snatching the winner with the last kick of the game as Kaan Ayhan bundled home from close range.
Despite the frustration of a first loss at the tournament,, Pochettino’s men set a new record of most goals scored at a WC for a US national side, notching eight times, and can now look forward to a Round of 32 showdown with Bosnia & Herzegovina on July 2nd back in California.
A late victory in Inglewood means Turkey end their first WC appearance since 2002 on a positive note after frustrating losses to Australia and Paraguay.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Sebastian Berhalter (USA)
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