SANTA CLARA, California — Paraguay refused to go quietly at the World Cup on Friday, beating Turkey 1-0 in a thrilling Group D showdown despite playing a man short for the entire second half — and doing it with the tournament’s quickest goal to date.
Coming off a crushing 4-1 opening loss to the United States, Paraguay came out with something to prove. Just 64 seconds into the match, Matias Galarza unleashed a powerful long-range strike to put his side ahead — and that single goal would be all Paraguay needed.
Energized by the rhythmic sound of drums echoing through the San Francisco Bay Area, Paraguay’s defense held firm against relentless Turkish pressure. The situation grew even more difficult when midfielder Miguel Almiron was sent off after making remarks to Mert Muldur — with his hand covering his mouth — leaving Paraguay to fight with 10 men for the entire second half.
Turkey controlled the ball for long stretches, at one point holding 79% possession, and launched 32 shots on goal. But their finishing was dismal, and they were unable to convert a single attempt — a painful echo of their opening match loss to Australia. Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz and Real Madrid’s Arda Guler both had opportunities but couldn’t find the net.
With the victory, Paraguay breathes new life into their campaign, while Turkey is eliminated from the tournament. The result also officially confirmed the United States as Group D winners following their earlier 2-0 defeat of Australia in Seattle.
Paraguay, nicknamed “La Albirroja,” last appeared in the World Cup back in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals before falling to eventual champions Spain — the deepest run in the nation’s tournament history.
Goalscorer Galarza described the win as one of the greatest moments of his life. “We showed our quality fighting spirits even with one player down. God wanted this to happen for Paraguay more than ever before,” he said.
Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella acknowledged the painful result but praised his players’ 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.
