Trusty had the USA in front after 180 seconds, which is the football equivalent of opening your gift before the party starts and then spending the rest of the night watching everyone else get presents. Guler answered with the kind of finish that makes scouts spill their coffee, Yilmaz nudged Turkiye ahead, and the whole thing turned into a tennis rally with shin pads.

Berhalter dragged the USA level again right after the break, and for a glorious half hour this looked like a heavyweight draw nobody deserved to lose. Then came the part where the USA defence treated stoppage time like the credits had already rolled.

Kaan Ayhan ghosting in at 90+8 to win it is the cruelest, most magnificent timing in the tournament so far. Twice level, twice undone, and the cherry on top: the USA still finished top of Group D. Heartbreak with a participation trophy that turns out to be the actual trophy.