SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Matías Galarza netted the quickest goal of this year’s World Cup just 65 seconds into the match, leading Paraguay to a 1-0 victory over Türkiye on Friday evening, despite having to play with ten men for over half the game.
This win ensured that the United States would secure the top spot in Group D, ultimately knocking Türkiye out of the tournament after their second consecutive defeat. Paraguay will next face Australia in their final group stage match this coming Thursday, where second place in the group will be at stake.
“It’s unforgettable,” expressed Galarza. “This is the most beautiful stage in the world, playing among the best. I’m so proud. I hope Paraguay feels the same.”
Paraguay found themselves a man down when Miguel Almirón received a red card late in the first half for violating a new rule against covering one’s mouth during disputes. However, goalkeeper Orlando Gill made several crucial saves that helped maintain their lead.
After suffering a 4-1 defeat against the U.S. in their opener, Paraguay rebounded thanks to adjustments made by coach Gustavo Alfaro. Galarza, who plays for Atlanta United in the MLS, was promoted to the starting lineup following his absence in the first match and he made an immediate impact, scoring with a left-footed strike from approximately 25 yards just 1:05 into the game.
Türkiye came close to leveling the score later in the first half, but Mert Müldür‘s header from a free kick struck both the crossbar and the goalpost.
Müldür was involved in the incident during first-half stoppage time that led to Almirón being shown the red card, after the two exchanged words following a foul near midfield. Almirón covered his mouth while speaking to Müldür, leading the latter to appeal to referee Ivan Barton.
Barton reviewed the incident via video and swiftly decided to issue Almirón a red card under the newly implemented rule for this year’s tournament.
Despite controlling possession for the second consecutive match, Türkiye was unable to convert their opportunities, following up their previous 2-0 loss to Australia with another defeat that seals their early exit from the tournament after 24 years away from World Cup football.
Having qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2002, Türkiye was unable to replicate their successful run that year, which culminated in a third-place finish. They came into this tournament with expectations of advancing from the group stage.
Gill denied a tricky shot from Merih Demiral early in the second half and again thwarted a long-range effort by Abdülkerim Bardakçı midway through the half, ensuring that Paraguay protected their lead. He also rejected a close-range attempt from Can Uzun later in the half, before Deniz Gül sent the rebound off-target.
A late header from Merih Demiral in stoppage time went wide, extinguishing Türkiye’s last chance.
“I’m sad, but also very proud of my players,” stated Türkiye coach Vincenzo Montella. “They gave everything until the final whistle. That’s the nature of football. … We came very close to equalizing, but we must accept the situation.”