SANTA CLARA, California — Paraguay advanced in the World Cup with one of the tournament’s most dramatic performances, beating Turkey 1-0 on Friday despite being reduced to ten men before halftime.
The match’s decisive moment came just 64 seconds in, when midfielder Matias Galarza unleashed a low, powerful shot from 25 metres out that found the back of the net. The goal became the fastest of the entire World Cup, edging out a 71-second strike by Ismael Saibari in Morocco’s 1-0 win over Scotland earlier that same day.
Paraguay’s chances took a serious hit in first-half stoppage time when midfielder Miguel Almiron was shown a straight red card. The dismissal came after Almiron placed his hand over his mouth during a confrontation with Turkey’s Mert Muldur — making him the first player at this tournament to be sent off under that newly enforced rule.
Despite being outmanned, Paraguay’s defense held firm through relentless pressure from Turkey, repelling attack after attack to protect their slim lead until the final whistle.
The victory is a remarkable bounce-back for Paraguay, who had been routed 4-1 by the United States in their opening match of the tournament.
