News Focus
- Matías Galarza nets the fastest goal of the tournament after only 64 seconds
- Miguel Almirón receives red card in second half, forcing Paraguay to play with ten men
- Turkey crash out of the competition following second consecutive defeat
- United States secure top spot in Group D with Paraguay set to face Australia for qualification
Paraguay battled with ten players for almost half the match to secure a vital 1-0 victory against Turkey in their Group D clash. The South Americans scored the quickest goal of the tournament so far and defended bravely to stay in the competition.
Matías Galarza found the net just 64 seconds into the game. The midfielder fired a powerful long-range shot past the Turkish goalkeeper to give Paraguay an early lead. This came after the team suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against the USA in their opening match.
The match turned difficult for Paraguay when Miguel Almirón was sent off during the second period. The player received a red card for comments made to Mert Muldur while covering his mouth with his hand. Despite playing with one less player, Paraguay held firm against constant pressure.
Turkey controlled the ball for 79 per cent of the match and created 32 chances. However, they failed to convert any opportunities into goals. This poor finishing mirrors their previous match where they also took many shots but lost to Australia.
The result means Turkey cannot progress to the next round. Meanwhile, the United States have won Group D following their 2-0 success against Australia. Paraguay will now meet Australia in a decisive match to determine who takes second place in the group.
Paraguay, nicknamed “La Albirroja”, have not appeared at the World Cup since 2010. During that tournament, they reached the quarter-finals before losing to Spain who went on to win the title.
Galarza described the victory as one of the greatest moments of his career. “We showed our quality fighting spirits even with one player down. God wanted this to happen for Paraguay more than ever before,” he stated.
Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella expressed disappointment but praised his team’s effort. “I’m sad but I’m also very proud of my players. They gave everything right up until the final whistle. That’s what football’s like,” he said.