Paraguay secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Turkey, producing a courageous defensive performance despite playing the entire second half with ten men.
The decisive moment came just 64 seconds into the contest when Matias Galarza unleashed a powerful low strike from 25 metres that found the back of the net. The goal became the fastest scored at the tournament, surpassing Ismael Saibari’s 71-second effort for Morocco against Scotland earlier in the day.
Paraguay’s task became significantly more difficult in first-half stoppage time when Miguel Almiron received a straight red card following a confrontation with Turkey’s Mert Muldur. The midfielder became the first player sanctioned under the tournament’s newly introduced rule after placing his hand over his mouth during the exchange.
With this numerical disadvantage, Paraguay were forced onto the back foot for much of the second half as Turkey launched wave after wave of attacks in search of an equaliser. However, the South Americans stood firm defensively, frustrating their opponents and protecting their slender advantage until the final whistle.
The victory marks a remarkable response from Paraguay following their heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opening match and keeps their hopes alive in the competition.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
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