USMNT's second string offers mixed bag in loss to Turkiye as Americans turn page to World Cup knockouts
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Few could fault U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino for being as obvious as possible with his heavily-rotated team for Thursday's game against Turkiye, even if it was a bit comical upon first glance. Then again, the concept of a dead rubber game at a World Cup, where the stakes are as high as they could ever be, is hilarious in its own right. It is fitting, then, that the USMNT's defense was also funny in its own right, a batch of mistakes ensuring the team would come out with a 3-2 defeat in a game that offered a strange pause to the upward momentum the tournament co-hosts had otherwise experienced.
Things seemed to be off to a strong start when Auston Trusty, in his first World Cup start, notched his first World Cup goal just three minutes in. Even with nine changes to the team that started in the 2-0 win over Australia on Friday, the group seemed to be embodying Pochettino's high-intensity ethos – they did outshoot Turkiye eight to four in the first half, dominating the early stretch of the game fully. Sebastian Berhalter's assist on Trusty's goal also offered further validation for Pochettino's roster selections; the midfielder's set-piece prowess is his greatest strength.
It all unraveled fairly quickly, though. Center back Mark McKenzie – another first-time World Cup starter – was unimpressive on Adra Guler's goal in the 10th minute, as was goalkeeper understudy Matt Turner. About 20 minutes later, it was Joe Scally's turn to look unfit for the job as Orkun Kokcu as he gave Turkiye a long-awaited lead.
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That trio was far from the only unimpressive figures for the USMNT on Thursday at SoFi Stadium. Tim Weah did little to make a case for himself as a starter, nearly four years removed from being the USMNT's starter on the left wing, almost nonexistent on the pitch along with the other starters in attack. The intensity they started with faded before the hydration break midway through the first half, both teams almost ending the first 45 minutes in listless form.
"Certain times maybe we could have controlled the game a little bit better and they maybe just got the ball better in their half," Berhalter said post-match. "First half felt like we were a little bit all over the place, maybe too many guys behind the ball and not enough in front of the ball."
If it was a good game for anyone, though, it was for the frequent starters who took in the first half from the bench. Not a single person who replaced them bolstered their argument to enter the lineup when Wednesday's round of 32 game comes around. The loss to Turkiye was far from entertaining, at times uninspiring but also offered a stark reminder that the USMNT are one team with their best players and an entirely different team without them, their bench perhaps not as deep as it had seemed in the wins over Paraguay and Australia.
It is not an actual surprise, either – Pochettino's USMNT struggled in the build-up to the World Cup in large part because he was always missing a key starter or two. The U.S. can survive Christian Pulisic's absence, much as it did against Australia, but that is because the rest of their mainstays were in place. Defender Chris Richards and midfielder Tyler Adams remain as irreplaceable as anybody but so many other players hold singular roles on this national team, it turns out. Sergino Dest's dynamism on the wing is hard to replicate; Folarin Balogun keeps opposition defenders busy in a way few of his teammates can; even Tim Ream, the elder statesman who draws the ire of the fanbase on the regular, offers more stability than the players who usually sit on the bench in his place.
Even amidst all that mediocrity, though, there is little reason to reduce the sense of optimism that this team carried into their Group D finale. None of these players missed Thursday's game by force. They simply got the night off, a chance to take a breather before an all-important game, and now without the burden of yellow cards that could get them suspended for a subsequent game. Some of the starters against Turkiye are also more likely to plug themselves in nicely to a full-strength team – Ricardo Pepi proved against Australia that he serves a real function as a pressing forward, while Gio Reyna's substitute appearance and goal against Paraguay offered a reminder that he is still a talented player with a unique skillset in the U.S. player pool.
The reminder came during the game, too. Christian Pulisic's entrance in the 58th minute was not only a welcome sight for a player who missed the Australia game with a calf issue but almost rejuvenated the U.S. team on his own. Within minutes of coming on for Weah, he sped down the left flank and created a chance that Brenden Aaronson attempted to capitalize on. Whether it was single-handedly down to his conclusion or the result of a mentality shift, the USMNT's multi-pronged press seemed to return when Pulisic did. They had a batch of chances in the minutes after his substitution, looking more like the team that clinched top spot in the group a week ago.
"I think [it] was important for him to get the feelings again after not [being] available for Australia," Pochettino said. "I think one of the objectives in that game not only was to win, [it was] to provide Christian in between 30 and 40 minutes to get the feeling to be ready for the next game. That is important, too. Yes, happy because I think he finished well and I think it was a good impact when he was on the pitch."
It paved the way for a redemption arc of sorts in the second half, during which they went on to outshoot Turkiye 10-4 and limited the opponents two shots on target, a return to form for the team that set a World Cup record for most shots taken without scoring. Berhalter also stood out even in a mixed bag of a game for the group. He is not exactly amongst the caliber of the USMNT's starters in midfield but he is an incredibly useful player regardless, his meteoric rise justified roughly a year after he earned his first cap. Trusty's goal was one example in his expertise on dead-ball situations and Berhalter's equalizer in the 49th minute another – that play also started on a set piece but he really can hit a ball expertly and did just that, all while becoming the USMNT's first player ever to get a goal and an assist in a World Cup game.
"We were a little bit back and forth in the first half and lost a little bit of our control," Berhalter noted, "but I think we got more numbers ahead of the ball instead of behind the ball and found good pockets for returning and playing balls in behind and I think that's what we need and it was a good response."
A host of the USMNT's usual starters also got on the field eventually, hoping to solve problems in a way that is true to Pochettino's attack-minded ethos. Dest and Alex Freeman each got around 15 minutes towards the end, while Malik Tillman came on with five minutes to go plus stoppage time, perhaps enough of a run to ensure their legs do not get too cold before next week's game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"I think when I came in today, we saw how the left side was," Freeman said. "Joe Scally was going high a lot and I feel like he was very good [at] attacking, very good [at] defending, but the left winger was staying high and coach put me in and told me to be aware of that and just make sure that I'd be aware of that but I also can choose my moments to go up and help the attack as well. I think those instructions were what I've been used to in the past two games as well so I think for now it was just him telling me exactly what I need to do and me just going out and making an impact."
There was one final reminder that a roared version of the USMNT were taking part in this game rather than the real deal, however. Arda Guler kicked off a play and a sustained round of pressure ensured Kaan Ayhan would score with the final kick of the game, the prospect of a cheery group stage finale already dashed for the World Cup co-hosts but officially gone with one fell swoop.
The uneven outing, though, also rings true to the USMNT's identity under Pochettino, no matter who is in the starting lineup. This team is not known for their defensive traits but will be carried by a group of talented attackers, several who are in career-best form, all of whom are a perfect fit for a coach who has always valued an offense-first approach. It worked at times on Thursday, if not for the entirety of the 90-minute game, which is somewhat encouraging in its own right. Coupled with the team's recent performances, both at the World Cup and their final pre-tournament friendlies, it is more than enough to remind everyone that their aim of a statement-making run is still well on track.
The team believes as much, too.
"A way to move forward," Trusty said. "Obviously, we were overwhelmingly positive throughout the group stage and we're moving forward in a very good way. Obviously, going to this game, they really had nothing to play for and then guys got minutes to themselves to show their ability and that's what we did and I think we played well. We had a lot of chances, didn't go our way, and then to lose with the last-second goal, just unfortunate."
Add CBS Sports on GoogleBadenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
