Matías Galarza delivered Paraguay an early breakthrough, scoring just 65 seconds into the match for the fastest goal at this year’s World Cup. Paraguay went on to defeat Türkiye 1-0 on Friday night in Santa Clara, California, despite playing with ten men for more than half the match.
With the result, the United States clinched first place in Group D, while Türkiye was eliminated from advancing after suffering a second straight loss. Paraguay will meet Australia in its final group-stage match next Thursday with second place still to be decided.
“This is the most beautiful stage in the world, playing amongst the best,” said Galarza. “It’s unforgettable. I’m so proud. I hope that Paraguay is happy.”
Midfielder Miguel Almirón was issued a red card late in the first half under a new rule forbidding players from covering their mouths during an on-field confrontation. Despite the dismissal, Paraguay held their lead behind multiple saves from goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
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The team rebounded from a 4-1 defeat to the United States in its opening game. Coach Gustavo Alfaro made a change to the lineup by including Galarza, who plays for Atlanta United in Major League Soccer, after he sat out the opener. Galarza repaid that decision quickly, launching a left-footed strike from roughly 25 yards to put Paraguay ahead at the 1:05 mark.
Türkiye came close to equalizing before halftime when Mert Müldür’s header from a free kick struck both the crossbar and the post. Müldür was also central in the confrontation that led to Almirón’s ejection near midfield.
After a foul, Almirón and Müldür exchanged words, during which Almirón covered his mouth. Müldür immediately approached referee Ivan Barton, who then reviewed the incident on video. Barton determined that Almirón’s action violated the new regulation, issuing a red card.
Despite dominating possession for a second consecutive game, Türkiye was unable to find the net. Following a 2-0 defeat to Australia, the team’s 1-0 loss to Paraguay ended its chances in what was its first World Cup appearance in 24 years.
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Türkiye had last competed in the tournament in 2002 and came in viewed as a favorite to progress from the group. That early momentum failed to translate as Friday’s defeat sealed their exit.
Gill preserved Paraguay’s lead with several stops during the second half. He deflected a shot by Merih Demiral early in the period, then denied a long-range strike from Abdülkerim Bardakçi. Later, Gill blocked a close-range attempt from Can Uzun, as Deniz Gül sent the rebound wide.
Demiral had one final opportunity in stoppage time but sent his header off target, ending Türkiye’s final push for an equalizer.
“I’m sad but I’m also very proud of my players,” said Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella. “They gave absolutely everything right up until the final whistle. That’s what football is like. … We came very close to equalizing but you also need to accept situations like this.”
The result confirmed Paraguay’s chance to continue in the group race while finalizing the standings for the United States and closing Türkiye’s first tournament appearance in more than two decades on a disappointing note.
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