Pochettino held a heated press conference after the USA's loss to Turkey

Mauricio Pochettino did not hide his disappointment and irritation when talking to the press after the final match of the group stage of the World Cup. at the SoFi Stadium, the Americans kept the first step in the group. However, the focus of journalistic questions frankly angered the Argentine specialist Pochettino, who admitted that he was a little sad because none of the reporters present congratulated the team on winning the group. He called the question about the possible loss of momentum after losing in the final seconds a little strange. "The mood is like we're out today and Turkey is in. I have to remind you and everyone that we won the group. Sorry guys, we won," the USA coach sarcastically remarked. For the match against Turkey, Pochettino released an experimental squad, making nine substitutions at once compared to the winning game against Australia When asked by reporters if he considered the loss a missed opportunity to make history as the first US team to win all three World Cup group stage matches, Pochettino dismissed the idea. "To make history is to win the World Cup. It doesn't mean just winning three matches. I don't quite understand. It's a bit petty, if you like - you're thinking too small. You're telling me you can make history by winning three matches, but what does it mean if you lose the next one?" he stressed. The coach also cited the example of the German national team, which found itself in a situation: it rested the leaders, lost to Ecuador, but still finished first. Despite the emotional spat with the press, Pochettino found a lot of positives in the game itself, especially in the context of preparations for the round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The main achievements of the team in the match against Turkey, according to the coach, is the return of the leader, Christian Pulisic, who came on as a substitute in the 60th minute. He showed a confident performance with no signs of discomfort from a recent calf injury. "The goal of the match was to give Pulisic game practice, and I'm glad he finished the game well. Winning this game or not won't change my mood. The goal was to finish first. And we're first. And now the next stage. We're ready," Pochettino summed up.