Santa Clara, June 20: Matias Galarza scored 65 seconds into the game for the fastest goal at this year’s World Cup and Paraguay held on for a 1-0 win over Turkey after playing a man down for more than half the match.
The win on Friday night assured the United States would win Group D and eliminated Turkey from any chance of advancing to the knockout round with its second straight loss.
Paraguay will face Australia in the final match of the group stage next Thursday with second place in the group on the line. Paraguay will need to win to finish second.“It’s unforgettable,” Galarza said.“This is the most beautiful stage in the world, playing amongst the best. I’m so proud. I hope that Paraguay is happy.”
Paraguay was short-handed after Miguel Almiron was issued a red card late in the first half for violating a new rule banning players from covering their mouth during a confrontation.But goalkeeper Orlando Gill made several key saves to preserve the lead in a game when Turkey 32-7 edge in shot attempts at goal.“It was very hard,” midfielder Andres Cubas said.“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.” Paraguay bounced back from a 4-1 loss in the opener against the U.S. team thanks in part to a lineup change made by Gustavo Alfaro.
Galarza, who plays for Atlanta United of the MLS, was put into the starting lineup after sitting out the opener and rewarded his coach when he sent a left-footed shot from about 25 yards into the net just 1:05 into the game.
Turkey nearly got the equaliser later in the first half but Mert Muldur’s header off a free kick hit the cross bar and goal post.Muldur was in the middle of the confrontation in stoppage time in the first half that led to Galarza’s ejection.Almiron and Mulder exchanged words following a foul near midfield.
Almiron covered his mouth while saying something to Mulder, who immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton for punishment.
Barton went to video review and quickly ruled that Almiron would be given a red card and ejected under a new rule put in place for this year’s World Cup. With their knockout hopes still alive, Paraguay now head into a decisive final group match against Australia. (AP)
