Paraguay eliminates a denied Türkiye

The South American team won (0-1) to aspire to the World Cup despite Almirón’s expulsion for covering his mouth

MADRID, 20 (EUROPA PRESS)

The Paraguayan team beat Turkey (0-1) this Friday and clung to its chances of advancing in a 2026 World Cup that ended mathematically for the Turkish team on the second day of Group D, despite playing with superiority after the break and having many chances to avoid it.

The South American team took the lead after two minutes with a great cross shot from Matías Galarza, a novelty in the eleven and who had been in the news due to rumors about his future and state of mind. Paraguay defended that goal throughout the game, also appearing with options for the second, in a fierce version that they were unable to achieve in the defeat they suffered in their debut against the United States.

Also defeated in their first match against Australia, the Turkish team had the urgency of not falling to the red-and-white team. Anxiety and haste did not prevent Türkiye from having clear chances to save the match, but their aim cost them elimination. Vincenzo Montella’s men also played the second half with one more for the red card to Miguel Almirón.

The Salvadoran referee Iván Barton sent him off, under warning from the VAR, for covering his mouth to say something to a rival. A novelty from FIFA in the tournament that is held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, setting the standard after the case between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinícius in the last Champions League. Türkiye improved in the second half and with the changes, but they were unable to score.

Already at the beginning, in addition to the 0-1, Paraguay was seen much more committed in its defense. A set piece was the closest the Ottoman team came to taking the lead, especially with a header from Mert Muldur that hit the crossbar and the post. The match also had some back and forth, and Juan Cáceres did not get the Paraguayans right.

The quality of the Turks, Real Madrid player Arda Güler did not participate, but the expulsion before half-time opened a door for those of the moon and the star. With a lot of tension between both teams, Gustavo Alfaro did not hesitate to raise the white-red wall with the changes, although Julio Enciso gave them air.

The attacker had more than one solo expedition that could have ended the Turks sooner, but Montella’s rotation increased his team’s offensive production more. Returning to a World Cup 24 years after standing on the podium, Türkiye rowed with everything to avoid shipwreck in Group D.

Can Uzun had it and they escaped Deniz Gul very clearly, until a last header from Merih Demiral grazed the post in the 97th minute, for a denied Turkey that died on the shore of San Francisco Bay. On the other hand, Paraguay will arrive alive to the last day against Australia, tied on three points, while the United States, with six, has already secured a direct ticket to the round of 32.

TECHNICAL SHEET.

–RESULT: Türkiye, 0 – PARAGUAY, 1. (0-1, at halftime).

–ALIGNMENTS.

TURQUÍA: Çakir; Müldür, Demiral, Abdülkerim (Kokcu, min.86), Kadioglu (Elmali, min.71); Yüksek (Long, min.60), Çalhanoglu; Aktürkoglu (Yilmaz, descanso), Arda Guler, Yildiz (Gul, min.60); Dolphin.

PARAGUAY: Gill; Cáceres (Maidana, min.81), Alderete, Gustavo Gómez (Velázquez, min.67), Alonso; Cubas, Galarza (Canale, min.91); Gómez, Almirón, Enciso (Ávalos, min.91); Pitta (Bobadilla, rest).

–GOL:

0 – 1, min. 2, Galarza.

–REFEREE: Iván Barton (SLV). Elmali was cautioned (min.71) by Türkiye. And to Galarza (min.4) in Paraguay. Almirón was sent off (min.45+3) for a direct red card.

–STADIUM: San Francisco Bay Stadium.