Türkiye go into their meeting with the USA carrying a blunt attacking stat line. They have finished their two World Cup matches with 62 shots, 13 on target and zero goals, and Sports Mole says no side has posted more attempts without scoring across a two-match span in World Cup history dating back to 1966.

Türkiye's wasteful tournament

Arda Güler is the clearest example of how much Türkiye have tried to force the issue. He took eight shots against Australia, more than any other player managed in a single game at this World Cup, while Kenan Yıldız's 7.25 rating suggests there has at least been some activity in the final third.

The problem is the end product. Türkiye scored zero goals across those two matches, so the volume of attempts has not been matched by the sort of finishing that keeps a team alive in a short group stage.

There is also the other side of the fixture. Türkiye can no longer finish third in Group D and have zero points after two games, so this is about leaving with something more convincing than a shot count.

The USA's room to manage the game

The USA arrive with the opposite picture. They sit top of Group D with six points from two games, have scored six goals and conceded just one, and Mauricio Pochettino has already said Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson will sit out because they are one yellow card away from suspension.

Pochettino intends to ensure players at risk of suspension are protected, which gives the USA a sensible reason to think beyond the immediate result while still keeping control of the group. A perfect group stage is still there for them.

The match should say as much about contrast as competition. Türkiye have spent two games creating enough shots to suggest pressure but not enough finishing to turn it into points, while the USA have been more efficient and more secure. The gap between those profiles is the real story before kick-off.

FAQ

Will Turkey's wasteful World Cup group stage go down as the story of their exit?

Yes, the numbers point that way. Türkiye finished their two World Cup matches with 62 shots, 13 on target and zero goals, and Sports Mole says that is the highest number of attempts without scoring across any two-match span in World Cup history dating back to 1966.

Can the USA finish the World Cup group stage with a perfect record?

They can. The USA sit top of Group D with six points from two games, having scored six goals and conceded just one. Mauricio Pochettino has also said players one yellow card away from suspension will be protected, so rotation is part of the picture too.

Why are Türkiye still being talked about despite being out of the tournament?

Because the attacking numbers are extreme. Türkiye can no longer finish third in Group D and have zero points after two games, but they also posted 62 shots, 13 on target and no goals, with Arda Güler taking eight shots against Australia.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →