(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Paraguay Defeats Turkey 1-0 to Keep World Cup Campaign Alive
Paraguay secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey in a FIFA World Cup group-stage match on Friday, earning an important three points despite playing with 10 men for much of the contest.
Midfielder Matías Galarza scored the only goal of the match just 65 seconds after kickoff, recording one of the quickest goals of the tournament. The early strike proved enough for Paraguay to claim the win.
Paraguay faced a challenge late in the first half when Miguel Almirón received a red card, reducing his team to 10 players. Despite being a man down, Paraguay maintained its defensive shape and protected its lead throughout the remainder of the match.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill played a key role in the victory, producing several important saves to deny Turkey and preserve the clean sheet.
The result confirms the United States as the winner of Group D, while Turkey’s second consecutive defeat ends its hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Paraguay responded positively after its opening-match loss to the United States. Head coach Gustavo Alfaro made changes to the starting lineup, including the introduction of Galarza, who made an immediate impact with his early goal.
Turkey created opportunities to equalize before halftime, with Mert Müldür coming close when his header from a free kick struck the woodwork.
Paraguay will now face Australia in its final group-stage match, with second place in the group still to be decided.
