SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Matias Galarza made headlines on Friday by scoring the fastest goal of this year’s World Cup, finding the back of the net just 65 seconds into the match. Paraguay managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Turkey, even while playing with one less player for more than half of the game.
This crucial win not only guaranteed the United States the top spot in Group D but also eliminated Turkey from contention for the knockout stage following their second consecutive loss. Paraguay’s upcoming match against Australia next Thursday will determine the second place in the group, with Paraguay needing to win to advance.
“It’s unforgettable,” Galarza expressed after the match. “This is the most beautiful stage in the world, playing amongst the best. I’m so proud. I hope that Paraguay is happy.” His electrifying start to the game set the tone, showcasing the potential of a player eager to make his mark on the world stage.
Despite facing adversity after Miguel Almiron was shown a red card late in the first half for violating a new rule against covering one’s mouth during confrontations, Paraguay’s defense held strong. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill was instrumental, making a series of critical saves to maintain the slim lead, despite Turkey dominating the match with a staggering 32-7 advantage in shot attempts.
“It was very hard,” said Paraguay midfielder Andres Cubas. “These games are very tough, especially one man down. We have to highlight the great group effort and commitment we showed as a team to keep fighting and do this until the end.” This sentiment reflects the resilience and determination of the Paraguayan squad in the face of significant challenges.
Paraguay’s victory marked a strong comeback after their opener against the U.S., which ended in a disappointing 4-1 loss. Coach Gustavo Alfaro’s decision to insert Galarza into the starting lineup proved to be a pivotal change, as he scored a stunning left-footed shot from about 25 yards just after the match began.
Turkey came close to equalizing later in the first half when Mert Muldur’s header from a free kick struck both the crossbar and the goal post, a moment that could have shifted the game’s momentum. However, the incident that led to Almiron’s ejection involved a confrontation with Muldur, who appealed to the referee after Almiron covered his mouth during their exchange.
Referee Ivan Barton reviewed the situation via video and promptly issued a red card to Almiron, emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and communication on the field in accordance with the new rules implemented for this year’s World Cup.
Turkey, which qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2002, had high expectations following their strong performance in the recent European championships. However, their failure to score in two matches, including a 2-0 loss to Australia, left them facing early elimination—a stark disappointment for a team that had entered as a favorite to advance.
Midfielder Arda Guler did not hold back his disappointment, labeling the team’s World Cup performance as “embarrassing.” The statistics reveal the severity of Turkey’s struggles, with 62 shots across two games without a single goal, marking the most in any two-game stretch without scoring since records began in 1966, according to Opta Stats.
“We should have scored some goals,” Guler said, offering an apology to the Turkish people for the team’s underwhelming performance. “We should have won these games.” The frustration among players and fans alike was palpable, given the high hopes surrounding Turkey’s return to the World Cup stage.
As the match progressed, Gill continued to shine, making crucial saves on attempts from Merih Demiral and Abdulkerim Bardakci, further solidifying Paraguay’s defense. Late in the game, Demiral’s header in stoppage time went wide, sealing Turkey’s fate in this World Cup.
“I’m sad,” Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella reflected after the match. “I’m sad but I’m also very proud of my players. They gave absolutely everything right up until the final whistle. That’s what football is like. … We came very close to equalizing but you also need to accept situations like this.”
As the tournament continues, the road ahead for both Paraguay and Turkey diverges sharply, with Paraguay aiming to build on their momentum and Turkey left to reflect on missed opportunities in their World Cup journey.
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