PHOTO: REUTERS

AGENCIES

The stage is set for an intriguing Group D finale. Having secured top spot with back-to-back wins, the USA face eliminated Turkey with the pressure entirely off.

Co-hosts manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to heavily rotate his squad to protect players carrying yellow cards, while managing Christian Pulisic’s minutes as the forward returns from a calf injury. Turkey, rooted to the bottom with zero points, play purely for pride to avoid heading home empty-handed.

Meanwhile, a straight knockout battle unfolds in Santa Clara between Australia and Paraguay, who sit level on three points. Tony Popovic’s disciplined Australia hold the advantage with an even goal difference, needing only a draw to secure the runner-up spot.

Paraguay’s minus-two goal difference, however, forces manager Gustavo Alfaro to abandon caution; anything less than a victory will leave the South Americans dependent on a wild-card berth.