Turkey
- Turkey have won four of their last five games in all competitions.
- The Turkey team is built around a double pivot and playmaker, usually in the No 10 role, that can help control the tempo and dictate the game from central areas, but they will be up against the USA's high pressing game which is designed to force turnovers and attack at pace.
- Montella's team beat Venezuela 2-1 away in a friendly and then fell to a 2-0 defeat against Australia in their opening World Cup match to stand third in Group D.
USA
- USA have won two and lost three of their last five matches in all competitions.
- The USA's identity has changed under Mauricio Pochettino, who has turned the team into a high-pressing, high-tempo outfit capable of taking the game to any opponent since taking charge in September 2024.
- Folarin Balogun has scored two goals in his first World Cup appearance for the USA and has scored three of their last nine goals overall.
Head-to-Head
- Turkey won the last meeting between these two sides, which was played in the USA, by 2-1 in a friendly a year ago and there is enough about both of these teams to suggest they can play out another close and competitive game on Friday.
- Turkey's Kenan Yıldız and the USA's Folarin Balogun both have the pace and cutting edge to open up defenses.
- USA favorite Pulisic remains the creative engine of the team, providing the balance in wide areas and making runs into the box that cause defenders all kinds of problems.
- Turkey, on the other hand, have Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler to provide their creative spark in central areas.
Key Players
- Folarin Balogun has scored two goals in his first World Cup appearance for the USA and has scored three of their last nine goals overall.
- Turkey's Kenan Yıldız and the USA's Folarin Balogun both have the pace and cutting edge to open up defenses.
- USA favorite Pulisic remains the creative engine of the team, providing the balance in wide areas and making runs into the box that cause defenders all kinds of problems.
- Turkey, on the other hand, have Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Arda Güler to provide their creative spark in central areas.
Betting Insights
- Pochettino's USA are the favorites to win this game at 2.5, while Turkey are just behind at 2.65 with a draw available at 3.65.
- The draw may be a nice price, but the better play here is 'both teams to score' at 1.64 because of the clash of styles that will surely ensue.
Prediction
USA are a high-energy team, but Montella's men will not back down and both will be keen to impress with the world watching so this should be a very competitive game that is open enough for both sides to register.
