Paraguay produced a determined defensive display to earn a crucial 1-0 victory over Turkey and keep their hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage firmly intact. The result also confirmed Turkey’s exit from the tournament after a second consecutive defeat in Group D.
The South Americans made a dream start, breaking the deadlock just 64 seconds after kick off. Midfielder Matias Galarza unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area that found the back of the net, recording the quickest goal of the tournament so far. That early breakthrough ultimately proved decisive in a match that tested Paraguay’s resilience for long periods.
The encounter took a dramatic turn deep into first half added time when Miguel Almiron became the first player at this World Cup to be dismissed under a recently introduced regulation. Following an altercation with Turkish defender Mert Muldur, a VAR review led referee Ivan Barton to issue a straight red card after Almiron was judged to have covered his mouth during the exchange.
Despite being reduced to ten players for the entire second half, Paraguay remained organised and disciplined. Turkey controlled possession for much of the contest and repeatedly pushed forward in search of an equaliser, yet they struggled to convert their dominance into goals.
Mert Muldur came close when a deflected header struck both the crossbar and the post. After the interval, Merih Demiral forced goalkeeper Orlando Gill into action, while substitute Deniz Gul squandered a golden opportunity when his close range header was directed straight at the Paraguayan shot stopper. Later, Can Uzun tested Gill again before Gul missed another promising chance from the rebound.
Turkey’s inability to score has become one of the tournament’s most surprising storylines. Vincenzo Montella’s side have now registered 62 attempts across their opening two matches without finding the net. According to Opta, that represents the highest number of shots without a goal across any two game stretch at a World Cup since records began in 1966.
The statistics once again highlighted Turkey’s control. They enjoyed 78.5 percent possession against Paraguay after recording 71.6 percent against Australia. Their expected goals figure stood at 2.1 compared to Paraguay’s 0.32, while they also accumulated more than 100 touches inside opposition penalty areas across the two fixtures.
For all their attacking intent, Turkey leave the competition without a goal. Paraguay, meanwhile, know that victory over Australia in their final group match would secure a place in the last 32.
