Paraguay secured a vital 1-0 victory over Turkey in their FIFA World Cup Group D encounter in the San Francisco Bay Area, surviving a second-half onslaught after being reduced to 10 men before half-time.
The result strengthened Los Guaraníes’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages, while Turkey’s disappointing return to the World Cup after 24 years ended with elimination following a second consecutive defeat.
Paraguay needed just 65 seconds to make the perfect start, capitalising on an error from the Turkish defence.
A misplaced pass allowed the South Americans to pounce, with Matías Galarza taking advantage of the opportunity by firing a powerful long-range strike beyond goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır to give his side an early lead.
Turkey struggled to respond immediately but gradually grew into the match. Their first meaningful opportunity arrived after 14 minutes when Arda Güler found space but sent his effort over the crossbar.
The Turks continued to apply pressure, with Kenan Yıldız attempting an ambitious bicycle kick from a corner before Orlando Gill made a comfortable save.
Their best chance of the first half came through Mert Müldür, whose header from a free-kick struck both the crossbar and post before somehow staying out.
Paraguay remained dangerous on the counterattack, with Juan José Cáceres forcing Çakır into a save with a powerful strike, but the game’s momentum shifted dramatically just before half-time when Miguel Almirón was shown a red card after covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
Playing with a numerical advantage, Turkey pushed forward after the restart and dominated possession, but Paraguay defended resolutely and continued to threaten on the break.
Julio Enciso nearly doubled their lead after cutting inside from the right, but his effort drifted wide.
Turkey created several opportunities to level the match, with substitute Deniz Gül heading straight at Gill after being found by Yıldız’s cross.
Can Uzun also came close, narrowly missing the target before later seeing his effort stopped by the Paraguay goalkeeper in what proved to be a costly missed opportunity.
The closest Turkey came to forcing extra pressure was late in regulation time when Uzun found space inside the box, but his shot went straight at Gill. Deep into stoppage time, Merih Demiral had one final chance with a header, only to send it wide.
Despite enjoying a full half against 10 men and creating enough chances to earn a result, Turkey were left frustrated and eliminated from the tournament. Their final group match against the United States becomes a dead rubber.
Paraguay, meanwhile, celebrated their eighth World Cup group-stage victory and moved closer to qualification.
They will face Australia in their final group game knowing a positive result could secure second place, although their position already leaves them in a strong position to advance.
