The United States can finish Group D with a full pot – but midfielder Tyler Adams is primarily concerned with avoiding a yellow card that could cost him a suspension in the last eight.
The United States are already set for the knockout stages after impressive group stage victories over Australia and Paraguay. The hard-playing Bournemouth man was cautioned against Paraguay in the opening match, but believes he can repeat the disciplined effort against Australia when the USMNT meets already eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles.
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“You have to be smart in those situations and be able to handle them,” Adams told ESPN.
“I did it in the last game, and I think I can do it again.
The decision could be taken out of Adams’ hands, as Mauricio Pochettino is aware that amnesty for yellow cards will be introduced after the group stage. That would frustrate Adams, but he accepts that it is a possible scenario.
“I want to be on the pitch,” he added.
“I go through all the scenarios in my head, but this is football after all. I don’t take any game for granted, especially not in a World Cup. You never know when you’ll get the opportunity again. So I hope I’m on the field. I hope I avoid a yellow card.
Pochettino faces a similar dilemma with the trio of Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson.
Turkey – domination without a goal
Turkey returns home this weekend after a very disappointing championship. They have dominated the games against Paraguay and Australia – but are without a point and without scoring. They have created a total of 62 shots, but not a single goal.
Some Turkish fans are demanding changes, but federation president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu is willing to give coach Vincenzo Montella another chance.
“We stand by our coach. This is not a club. Clubs fail because they lack continuity, he said.
– The last two days they have written about possible coaches. We will not replace those we have worked with along the way with those we find along the way. Let’s not forget that it’s our players who have brought us here. Most of them are young. These players will carry us to future championships. We have to support our players.
Team news for Turkey vs USA
Yunus Akgün is still uncertain for Turkey, and Montella is likely to make few changes despite the early exit.
To Adams’ chagrin, Pochettino is unlikely to risk players who are one warning away from suspension, so at least four changes are expected. Christian Pulisic is also not ready due to a calf injury.
Predicted line-ups
Turkey (4-2-3-1): Cakir – Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu – Calhanoglu, Kokcu – Yilmaz, Guler, Yildiz – Yellow
USA (4-3-3): Freese – Freeman, McKenzie, Robinson, Trusty – Berhalter, Tillman – Dest, McKennie, Reyna – Wright
How to watch Turkey vs USA
Turkey vs. USA kicks off on Friday night at 04:00 Norwegian time. The match will be broadcast on ITV1 and STV, and will be streamed via ITVX and STV Player.
Key figures for Turkey vs. USA
- Turkey have not won a World Cup match since the bronze medal final in 2002, when they beat co-hosts South Korea.
- Turkey have not gone three games without scoring since 2010/11.
- The teams have met five times before – both teams have won twice each.
- The USA has never before won three straight games in a World Cup.
Prediction for Turkey vs. USA
The United States will be keen not to lose momentum after two impressive performances, but Turkey can become dangerous when they have nothing to lose.
Prediction: Turkey 2-1 USA
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