Paraguay defeated Turkey 1-0 in Santa Clara, California, fueled by the fastest goal of the World Cup. Matias Galarza scored just 64 seconds into the match with a 25-meter strike. The victory follows a 4-1 opening loss to the United States and keeps Paraguay's tournament hopes alive.
Despite the early lead, Paraguay played more than half the match with ten men after Miguel Almiron received a red card in first-half stoppage time. Almiron was ejected for violating a new rule banning players from covering their mouths during confrontations, following an exchange with Mert Muldur. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill preserved the lead with several key saves against a Turkish side that recorded 32 shot attempts.
The loss eliminates Turkey from the competition after they also suffered a 2-0 defeat to Australia. Turkey's 62 combined shots across two games mark the most in any two-game span without scoring since 1966. Midfielder Arda Guler called the performance embarrassing, while coach Vincenzo Montella expressed shock at the early exit in Turkey's first World Cup appearance in 24 years.
The result confirms the United States as the winner of Group D. Paraguay will face Australia in their final group match on June 25, needing a win to secure second place. Coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team's fighting spirit, stating the victory was a credit to the players' commitment.