Paraguay Stuns Turkiye, Advances Despite Red Card

Paraguay secured a place in the next round of the World Cup with a gritty 1-0 victory over Turkiye, a match they played a man down for more than 50 minutes. The win, coupled with other results, also confirmed the United States as winners of Group D.

Fastest Goal of the Tournament

Matias Galarza ignited Paraguay’s attack just 65 seconds into the match, netting the fastest goal of the current World Cup. The midfielder, who plays for Atlanta United in MLS, found the back of the net with a precise left-footed shot from approximately 25 yards out, rewarding coach Gustavo Alfaro’s decision to include him in the starting lineup after he sat out the opener.

Red Card Shakes Up the Match

The momentum shifted late in the first half when Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron received a red card. The incident occurred in first-half stoppage time following a confrontation near midfield with Turkiye’s Mert Muldur. After exchanging words, Almiron covered his mouth while speaking to Muldur, who then appealed to the referee. A video review led to Almiron’s ejection under a new World Cup rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontations.

Goalkeeper Heroics Preserve Lead

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Paraguay’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Orlando Gill, held firm. Gill made several crucial saves throughout the second half, denying Turkiye’s attacking threats. Notable saves included a deflection from Merih Demiral early in the second half and a long-range attempt from Abdulkerim Bardakci midway through the half. He also stopped a close-range shot from Can Uzun late in the game, with the rebound sent wide by Deniz Gul.

Turkiye’s Missed Opportunities

Turkiye, who dominated possession for much of the match, struggled to convert their chances. They came close to equalizing in the first half when Mert Muldur’s header off a free kick struck both the crossbar and the post. Merih Demiral’s header in the dying moments of stoppage time went wide, marking the end of Turkiye’s hopes in the tournament. This marks their second consecutive loss, ensuring an early exit in their first World Cup appearance in 24 years.

Looking Ahead

Paraguay will now face Australia in their final group stage match, with second place in the group on the line. The team, which had suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against the United States in their opening game, showed resilience and determination to bounce back.

Key facts
| Team | Score | Result |
| :—— | :—- | :——— |
| Paraguay| 1 | Win |
| Turkiye | 0 | Loss |
| Venue | Santa Clara, Calif. | |
| Goal Scorer | Matias Galarza (PAR) | |

This result has significant implications for Group D, confirming the United States’ top position and ending Turkiye’s World Cup journey. For Paraguay, the victory demonstrates their ability to compete and advance despite adversity, setting the stage for their upcoming clash with Australia.

Source: Sportsnet – Paraguay eliminates Turkiye despite being down to 10 men (https://www.sportsnet.ca/fifa-world-cup/article/paraguay-eliminates-turkiye-despite-being-down-to-10-men/)

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