Deadspin | Shooter’s delight as Clippers face Warriors in play-in Jan 5, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images California counterparts meet Wednesday in a do-or-die start to the Western Conference play-in, as the No. 9 seed Los Angeles Clippers welcome the 10th-seeded Golden State Warriors to Inglewood, Calif. Los Angeles finished 42-40 in the regular season and fell into the 9/10 matchup by virtue of dropping a pair of late-season contests to the Portland Trail Blazers, including a 116-97 decision last Friday. That loss at Portland effectively locked the Clippers into the No. 9 seed and they will need two play-in victories to qualify for the playoff field. Golden State finished the regular season at 37-45 and had been firmly established as the West’s No. 10 team. Drawing Los Angeles leaves Golden State preparing for Kawhi Leonard, the six-time All-NBA forward. Leonard heads into the play-in round averaging career bests in scoring at 27.9 points per game and 3-pointers made per contest at 2.6. “He’s always been a great player. I don’t know how much he’s changed since we saw him in the (NBA) Finals in (2019),” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, referencing Leonard’s Finals MVP performance for the Toronto Raptors against the Warriors seven years ago. Leonard, who has dealt with knee issues throughout his seven years with the Clippers, appeared in 65 regular-season games, his second-most with the team. His presence helped Los Angeles battle back from a 6-21 start to the season and go 36-19 since Dec. 20. Included in that stretch were three Los Angeles wins over Golden State, including a 115-110 Clippers win on Sunday to close the regular season. Leonard sat out Sunday’s game while spark plug Bennedict Mathurin snapped out of a recent cold spell to score 20 points off the bench. Mathurin also had nine rebounds and eight assists in a significant bounce-back from his scoreless outing Friday at Portland. “Just being in attack mode. … When we get stops, we need him to go a little bit faster, because he’s one of the best guys in transition,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of expectations for Mathurin going into the play-in game. Transition opportunities and pace of play both figure to be keys for Wednesday’s matchup, Lue said following the win on Sunday. The coach noted Golden State “can embarrass you” if teams fail to match the Warriors’ tempo. Golden State scored 114.6 points per game in an injury-plagued campaign, but allowed 115.2 and committed 15.7 turnovers, its second most since 2007-08. However, the Warriors ranked second in the NBA by making 1,286 3-pointers during the regular season. That came even with former two-time Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry sidelined for 39 games. He recently returned from a knee injury and moves forward on a minutes restriction. “He’s had four games now where he’s stretched almost up to 30,” Kerr said. “With the two days off, he should be able to get at least that (Wednesday).” Curry made 190 3-pointers on the campaign, which was a team-high despite his limited availability. Brandin Podziemski hit 153 from deep while playing all 82 games. Moses Moody, the third-most prolific shooter on the squad, sustained a season-ending knee injury in March, contributing to a heightened role for De’Anthony Melton. Melton and big man Kristaps Porzingis moved into the Golden State starting lineup at the conclusion of the regular season. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Shooters #delight #Clippers #face #Warriors #playin

Deadspin | Shooter’s delight as Clippers face Warriors in play-in
Jan 5, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

California counterparts meet Wednesday in a do-or-die start to the Western Conference play-in, as the No. 9 seed Los Angeles Clippers welcome the 10th-seeded Golden State Warriors to Inglewood, Calif.

Los Angeles finished 42-40 in the regular season and fell into the 9/10 matchup by virtue of dropping a pair of late-season contests to the Portland Trail Blazers, including a 116-97 decision last Friday.

That loss at Portland effectively locked the Clippers into the No. 9 seed and they will need two play-in victories to qualify for the playoff field.

Golden State finished the regular season at 37-45 and had been firmly established as the West’s No. 10 team.

Drawing Los Angeles leaves Golden State preparing for Kawhi Leonard, the six-time All-NBA forward. Leonard heads into the play-in round averaging career bests in scoring at 27.9 points per game and 3-pointers made per contest at 2.6.

“He’s always been a great player. I don’t know how much he’s changed since we saw him in the (NBA) Finals in (2019),” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, referencing Leonard’s Finals MVP performance for the Toronto Raptors against the Warriors seven years ago.

Leonard, who has dealt with knee issues throughout his seven years with the Clippers, appeared in 65 regular-season games, his second-most with the team. His presence helped Los Angeles battle back from a 6-21 start to the season and go 36-19 since Dec. 20.

Included in that stretch were three Los Angeles wins over Golden State, including a 115-110 Clippers win on Sunday to close the regular season.

Leonard sat out Sunday’s game while spark plug Bennedict Mathurin snapped out of a recent cold spell to score 20 points off the bench. Mathurin also had nine rebounds and eight assists in a significant bounce-back from his scoreless outing Friday at Portland.

“Just being in attack mode. … When we get stops, we need him to go a little bit faster, because he’s one of the best guys in transition,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of expectations for Mathurin going into the play-in game.

Transition opportunities and pace of play both figure to be keys for Wednesday’s matchup, Lue said following the win on Sunday. The coach noted Golden State “can embarrass you” if teams fail to match the Warriors’ tempo.

Golden State scored 114.6 points per game in an injury-plagued campaign, but allowed 115.2 and committed 15.7 turnovers, its second most since 2007-08.

However, the Warriors ranked second in the NBA by making 1,286 3-pointers during the regular season. That came even with former two-time Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry sidelined for 39 games. He recently returned from a knee injury and moves forward on a minutes restriction.

“He’s had four games now where he’s stretched almost up to 30,” Kerr said. “With the two days off, he should be able to get at least that (Wednesday).”

Curry made 190 3-pointers on the campaign, which was a team-high despite his limited availability.

Brandin Podziemski hit 153 from deep while playing all 82 games. Moses Moody, the third-most prolific shooter on the squad, sustained a season-ending knee injury in March, contributing to a heightened role for De’Anthony Melton.

Melton and big man Kristaps Porzingis moved into the Golden State starting lineup at the conclusion of the regular season.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Shooters #delight #Clippers #face #Warriors #playin

Sports news April 15, 2026

Jan 5, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots the ball against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

California counterparts meet Wednesday in a do-or-die start to the Western Conference play-in, as the No. 9 seed Los Angeles Clippers welcome the 10th-seeded Golden State Warriors to Inglewood, Calif.

Los Angeles finished 42-40 in the regular season and fell into the 9/10 matchup by virtue of dropping a pair of late-season contests to the Portland Trail Blazers, including a 116-97 decision last Friday.

That loss at Portland effectively locked the Clippers into the No. 9 seed and they will need two play-in victories to qualify for the playoff field.

Golden State finished the regular season at 37-45 and had been firmly established as the West’s No. 10 team.

Drawing Los Angeles leaves Golden State preparing for Kawhi Leonard, the six-time All-NBA forward. Leonard heads into the play-in round averaging career bests in scoring at 27.9 points per game and 3-pointers made per contest at 2.6.

“He’s always been a great player. I don’t know how much he’s changed since we saw him in the (NBA) Finals in (2019),” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said, referencing Leonard’s Finals MVP performance for the Toronto Raptors against the Warriors seven years ago.

Leonard, who has dealt with knee issues throughout his seven years with the Clippers, appeared in 65 regular-season games, his second-most with the team. His presence helped Los Angeles battle back from a 6-21 start to the season and go 36-19 since Dec. 20.

Included in that stretch were three Los Angeles wins over Golden State, including a 115-110 Clippers win on Sunday to close the regular season.

Leonard sat out Sunday’s game while spark plug Bennedict Mathurin snapped out of a recent cold spell to score 20 points off the bench. Mathurin also had nine rebounds and eight assists in a significant bounce-back from his scoreless outing Friday at Portland.

“Just being in attack mode. … When we get stops, we need him to go a little bit faster, because he’s one of the best guys in transition,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of expectations for Mathurin going into the play-in game.

Transition opportunities and pace of play both figure to be keys for Wednesday’s matchup, Lue said following the win on Sunday. The coach noted Golden State “can embarrass you” if teams fail to match the Warriors’ tempo.

Golden State scored 114.6 points per game in an injury-plagued campaign, but allowed 115.2 and committed 15.7 turnovers, its second most since 2007-08.

However, the Warriors ranked second in the NBA by making 1,286 3-pointers during the regular season. That came even with former two-time Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry sidelined for 39 games. He recently returned from a knee injury and moves forward on a minutes restriction.

“He’s had four games now where he’s stretched almost up to 30,” Kerr said. “With the two days off, he should be able to get at least that (Wednesday).”

Curry made 190 3-pointers on the campaign, which was a team-high despite his limited availability.

Brandin Podziemski hit 153 from deep while playing all 82 games. Moses Moody, the third-most prolific shooter on the squad, sustained a season-ending knee injury in March, contributing to a heightened role for De’Anthony Melton.

Melton and big man Kristaps Porzingis moved into the Golden State starting lineup at the conclusion of the regular season.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Shooters #delight #Clippers #face #Warriors #playin

T20 World Cup 2026 star Sanju Samson named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March <div id="content-body-70860694" itemprop="articleBody">India opener Sanju Samson was on Tuesday named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March, capping a stellar run that saw him play a defining role in the team’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.Samson did not get to play in the early part of the tournament but was the standout performer in the big games towards the end and helped India retain the title.His latest honour also extends a unique streak, with players from different countries winning the award over the past five months, including South Africa’s Simon Harmer, Australia’s Mitchell Starc, New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell and Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan.“Winning the ICC Player of the Month award is an incredible feeling, especially as it comes during what has been the most unforgettable phase of my cricketing journey. Playing a part in India’s triumph at the Men’s T20 World Cup was truly a dream realised, and it took some time for the magnitude of that moment to fully sink in,” Samson said.“This is an exciting era for Indian cricket, with immense talent across the board. I feel grateful for the opportunities I’ve received, and for the trust and support from my teammates and coaching staff that have allowed me to perform at my best.”Not a regular part of the playing XI in the initial stages of the tournament, Samson was eventually called up for India’s must-win Super 8 fixtures. After starting off with 24 against Zimbabwe, he picked form and didn’t look back.The opener missed out on a century against West Indies by just three runs, but his attacking 97 not out set up India’s spot in the semifinal.A blistering 89 against England at the Wankhede Stadium helped India to 253 for seven, and the target proved elusive for the English, who missed out by seven runs on March 5.An equally amazing 89 was churned out during India’s successful title defence in Ahmedabad, securing a 96-run win.In the three crucial T20Is he was a part of in March, Samson notched up 275 runs at an astonishing average of 137.50 and a stunning strike rate of 199.27.This is the first time that Samson has secured an ICC Men’s Player of the Month honour.New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr won the women’s honour for the third time, after an outstanding series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.<div class=" article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/v7dsqk/article70860715.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/image%203.jpg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/v7dsqk/article70860715.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/image%203.jpg" alt="Kerr’s captaincy seemed to have brought out the best in her, with both the ball and the bat." title="Kerr’s captaincy seemed to have brought out the best in her, with both the ball and the bat." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"> Kerr’s captaincy seemed to have brought out the best in her, with both the ball and the bat. | Photo Credit: AFP <img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div> Kerr’s captaincy seemed to have brought out the best in her, with both the ball and the bat. | Photo Credit: AFP </div>Taking over the white-ball teams from Sophie Devine, Kerr’s captaincy seemed to have brought out the best in her, with both the ball and the bat. In the Zimbabwe ODI series, she managed to snap 16 wickets in just three matches, including her career-best figures of 7/34.Additionally, she also contributed with the bat, being the third highest run-scorer in the ODIs, scoring 140 runs across three games with an average of 46.67 in the counting month.Published on Apr 14, 2026</div> #T20 #World #Cup #star #Sanju #Samson #named #ICC #Mens #Player #Month #March

Victor Wembanyama Could Become the NBA 2K27 Cover According to Odds | Deadspin.com Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league. Our Current Best OffersChannel debug: basketball #Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com">

mwasimuddin125 0

Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.
But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.
Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.
An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.
How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?
Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.
For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.
Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.
It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league.

Our Current Best Offers
Channel debug: basketball

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com">Victor Wembanyama Could Become the NBA 2K27 Cover According to Odds | Deadspin.com

Oct 30, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) chants “Go Spurs Go” along with fans after a victory over the Miami Heat at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

Now that the dust has settled on the NBA Finals and the NBA Draft, all attention will be on free agency.

But the release of NBA 2K27 will take place in the first week of September. NBA fans and gamers will have a chance to use the entirely new rookie class and proper free agent fits on this new game.

Popular prediction market site Kalshi allows users to make trades of real-world events. As of June 25, they’re giving San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama an 84% chance of being named the cover of this year’s version of NBA 2K.

An 84¢ contract on Wembanyama to be named the cover of NBA 2K27 wouldn’t payout much, as it’s the favored outcome. New York Knicks NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson has a 20% chance of being the cover of the league’s popular video game, which would be a much more attractive contract for users seeking value.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards is the longshot, getting only a 9% chance of being named the cover athlete. Those chances increased following the breaking news of LaMelo Ball being traded to Minnesota. Certainly, the Timberwolves will be a popular team in the game next season.

How does NBA 2K decide the cover athlete?

Each year, NBA 2K takes their time determining the cover athlete.

For the game’s main cover, they typically select an up-and-coming superstar. A player whose stock could be on the rise would be the usual target. They also like to take advantage of significant benchmark moments in the NBA (like winning a championship, MVP, etc.).

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the cover of NBA 2K26. He had won his first MVP and NBA Championship. Carmelo Anthony was the superstar edition cover and Angel Reese was the WNBA edition cover.

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was the cover of NBA 2K25. For 2K24, the game tributed the cover to Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was the cover of NBA 2K23 and Luka Doncic was the cover of NBA 2K22. Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving and Paul George have also been on NBA 2K covers in the last decade.

It’s likely that Wembanyama or Brunson will be this year’s cover athlete. The value would be on Brunson after winning a championship and breaking New York’s five-decade title drought. But for now, Wembanyama remains the favorite as the future face of the league.

Our Current Best Offers

Channel debug: basketball

#Victor #Wembanyama #NBA #2K27 #Cover #Odds #Deadspin.com

The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily bringing in a completely new defense including Matt Turner in goal. The game had low stakes considering Türkiye was already eliminated and the co-host nation was guaranteed to top Group D, yet it had no impact on how the USMNT began. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece as Berhalter delivered a corner perfectly to the center back.

The Celtic defender separated himself from the pack at the back post, calmly controlled the ball and fired it past Ugurcan Çakir. From there, however, Türkiye turned up the intensity and looked hungrier than the USMNT for the rest of the first half.

Arda Güler equalized for Türkiye seven minutes later as the Real Madrid midfielder scored the first goal for his country this tournament. Barış Alper Yılmaz put his country in front inadvertently after Orkun Kökcü fired a shot that ricocheted off the striker into the back of the net. The U.S. looked off the pace after going behind, but regrouped at halftime and started the second half strong.

Berhalter added a goal to his assist when he fired a shot from the edge of the box to equalize in the 49th minute. The mood in the stadium was lifted further by Pulisic coming on in the 58th minute for Tim Weah. The AC Milan winger missed the win against Australia with a calf injury, but looked lively. It was a risk bringing him on in a dead rubber, but he looks ready to go for the knockouts.

The game was heading for a draw, but Kaan Ayhan had different plans in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Türkiye the 3-2 win. A gut punch, yet one that fans hope the players and coaches use as motivation going forward.

Türkiye overmatched a similar U.S. side personnel-wise in a June 2025 friendly, so the performance overall shows the growth this team has undergone in a year’s time. Sure, the game had no ramifications on how the rest of the tournament would play out, but it’s still the World Cup stage. Plus, Pochettino didn’t have his first choice defense, midfield or attack on the pitch. It’s clear this U.S. team believes in each other and is feeding off the home crowd—the only thing left to find out is when this ride comes to an end.

If there’s any critiques to take from the game, it’s the USMNT’s lack of defensive depth and awareness at times. Pochettino needs to make sure his defense cleans up mistakes and remains switched on at all times. This was the first game of the tournament where the U.S. faced adversity—how the players respond will dictate their knockout stage run.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

Next up is a round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1. Edin Džeko and company qualified as a third place team from Group B marking their first appearance ever in a World Cup knockout stage. The 64th ranked country in the world scored five goals, but conceded six.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return">

USMNT ends World Cup group stage on sour note despite Pulisic return The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.Mauricio Pochettino rotated heavily bringing in a completely new defense including Matt Turner in goal. The game had low stakes considering Türkiye was already eliminated and the co-host nation was guaranteed to top Group D, yet it had no impact on how the USMNT began. Auston Trusty scored in the third minute of the game from a set piece as Berhalter delivered a corner perfectly to the center back.The Celtic defender separated himself from the pack at the back post, calmly controlled the ball and fired it past Ugurcan Çakir. From there, however, Türkiye turned up the intensity and looked hungrier than the USMNT for the rest of the first half.Arda Güler equalized for Türkiye seven minutes later as the Real Madrid midfielder scored the first goal for his country this tournament. Barış Alper Yılmaz put his country in front inadvertently after Orkun Kökcü fired a shot that ricocheted off the striker into the back of the net. The U.S. looked off the pace after going behind, but regrouped at halftime and started the second half strong.Berhalter added a goal to his assist when he fired a shot from the edge of the box to equalize in the 49th minute. The mood in the stadium was lifted further by Pulisic coming on in the 58th minute for Tim Weah. The AC Milan winger missed the win against Australia with a calf injury, but looked lively. It was a risk bringing him on in a dead rubber, but he looks ready to go for the knockouts.The game was heading for a draw, but Kaan Ayhan had different plans in the eighth minute of stoppage time to give Türkiye the 3-2 win. A gut punch, yet one that fans hope the players and coaches use as motivation going forward.Türkiye overmatched a similar U.S. side personnel-wise in a June 2025 friendly, so the performance overall shows the growth this team has undergone in a year’s time. Sure, the game had no ramifications on how the rest of the tournament would play out, but it’s still the World Cup stage. Plus, Pochettino didn’t have his first choice defense, midfield or attack on the pitch. It’s clear this U.S. team believes in each other and is feeding off the home crowd—the only thing left to find out is when this ride comes to an end.If there’s any critiques to take from the game, it’s the USMNT’s lack of defensive depth and awareness at times. Pochettino needs to make sure his defense cleans up mistakes and remains switched on at all times. This was the first game of the tournament where the U.S. faced adversity—how the players respond will dictate their knockout stage run.The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.Next up is a round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1. Edin Džeko and company qualified as a third place team from Group B marking their first appearance ever in a World Cup knockout stage. The 64th ranked country in the world scored five goals, but conceded six.The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up. #USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return

mwasimuddin125 0

The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return">USMNT ends World Cup group stage on sour note despite Pulisic return

The U.S. men’s national team lost to Türkiye to close out 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D despite a strong performance from Sebastian Berhalter and Christian Pulisic’s return.

The resounding positive, however, is Berhalter. Pochettino likely looks to get him more involved in midfield given how decisive he was in the final third.

The USMNT will fancy its chance to advance as the pressure ramps up.

#USMNT #ends #World #Cup #group #stage #sour #note #Pulisic #return

Australia booked its place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup after playing out a goalless draw against Paraguay on Thursday.

The result was enough for the Socceroos to finish second behind the United States in the group, with Australia’s superior goal difference ensuring it stayed ahead of Paraguay despite both teams ending level on points.

The draw also lifted Paraguay to four points, leaving it well placed to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams, although it must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm its progress.

Australia has now reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the Round of 16 on both occasions. The Socceroos will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.

Paraguay, meanwhile, remains in contention to reach the knockout rounds for the fifth time in its history.

Player Ratings

Paraguay

Gill (8.2), Velázquez (7.1), Gómez (7.1), Alderete (7.3), Cáceres (6.7), Maidana (6.4), Gómez (7.3), Cubas (7.8), Galarza (8.1), Ávalos (6.3), Enciso (5.6) | Substitutes: Mauricio (6.7), Arce (6.0)

Australia

Beach (7.8), Souttar (7.3), Circati (7.6), Herrington (7.2), O’Neill (7.3), Irvine (6.7), Bos (7.9), Metcalfe (6.8), Volpato (6.2), Irankunda (6.4), Behich (6.8) | Substitutes: Hrustic (6.5), Okon-Engstler (6.6), Yengi (6.4)

Published on Jun 26, 2026

#FIFA #World #Cup #Australia #qualifies #knockouts #Paraguay #stalemate #Complete #player #ratings">