Paraguay Defeats Turkey 1-0 to Eliminate Them from World Cup

Paraguay achieved a valuable 1-0 win against Turkey on Saturday during the second round of group stage matches at the World Cup.

The only goal of the match came early, just 65 seconds after kickoff, scored by Matías Galarza. This goal was the fastest in the current edition of the tournament. Paraguay maintained their lead despite playing more than half the match with one player less.

Paraguay's star player Miguel Almirón received a direct red card late in the first half for violating a new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during disputes. Nevertheless, goalkeeper Orlando Gill stood out with several crucial saves that preserved Paraguay’s advantage.

This victory confirmed the United States as the official leader of Group D, while Turkey’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage faded following their second consecutive loss. Paraguay is set to face Australia next Thursday in the final group match to decide the second qualifying spot.

Paraguay bounced back from their heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States in the opening round, thanks to tactical changes made by coach Gustavo Álvarez. Álvarez included Matías Galarza, an Atlanta United player, in the starting lineup after he missed the first match. Galarza rewarded his coach with a powerful left-footed shot from 25 yards that found the net after just one minute and five seconds.

Turkey nearly equalized in the first half when Mert Müldür headed a direct free kick, but the ball struck both the crossbar and post before bouncing away.

Mert Müldür was also involved in a major altercation during stoppage time of the first half that led to Almirón’s red card.

The incident began with a verbal exchange between Almirón and Müldür after a foul in midfield. Almirón covered his mouth while speaking to Müldür, prompting the latter to immediately request referee Evan Barton to take disciplinary action.

Referee Evan Barton consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and quickly issued a red card to Almirón in accordance with the new World Cup regulations.

Turkey dominated possession for the second consecutive match, but their control of the game was insufficient. Following this defeat and their earlier 2-0 loss to Australia, Turkey faces an early exit from their first World Cup appearance in 24 years.