SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Matias Galarza scores the fastest goal of this year’s tournament 65 seconds into the game. world cup And on Friday, Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0 after playing alone for more than half the game.
victory was assured USA will win Group D With two consecutive losses, Turkey no longer has any chance of advancing to the final tournament. Paraguay will play Australia next Thursday in the final group stage match for second place in the group. Paraguay needs a win to finish second.
“I’ll never forget it,” Galarza said. “This is the most beautiful stage in the world and we are playing among the best players. I am very proud. I wish Paraguay all the best.”
Paraguay are short of players after Miguel Almiron issued a red card They lost their case late in the first half for violating a new rule that prohibits players from covering their mouths during games.
However, goaltender Orlando Gil made several important saves and Turkey maintained a 32-7 lead on attempted shots on goal.
“It was very difficult,” midfielder Andres Cubas said. “These games are very tough, especially when you’re down by one. We have to keep fighting until the end and highlight the great group effort and dedication we showed as a team to get this done.”
Paraguay recovers from conceded goal Lost the opening game 4-1 Thanks in part to lineup changes made by Gustavo Alfaro, they played against the American team. Galarza, who plays for Atlanta United in MLS, was inserted into the starting lineup after missing the opening game and rewarded his coach with a left-footed shot into the back of the net from about 25 yards just 1:05 into the game.
Turkey almost scored an equalizer late in the first half, but Mert Mardur’s header from a free kick hit the crossbar and goal post.
Mardur was in the middle of a confrontation in first-half stoppage time that led to Galarza’s sending off.
Almiron and Mulder exchanged words after being fouled near midfield. Almiron covered his mouth while saying something to Mulder, who immediately appealed to referee Ivan Barton for punishment.
Barton underwent a video review and immediately ruled that Almiron would be given a red card and sent off. new rules It was introduced for this year’s World Cup.
Turkey dominated the ball for the second game in a row, but once again it wasn’t enough as the Turks caught up. Lost 2-0 to Australia Another loss ensured that they will miss their first World Cup appearance in 24 years.
Turkey qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2002 and had high hopes after reaching the quarter-finals at the European Championships two years ago, but despite entering the tournament as the favorites to advance to their group, they were unable to advance.
Turkish midfielder Arda Güler described his team’s performance at the World Cup as “embarrassing”. According to Opta Stats, the Turks’ 62 shots in two games is the most in two games without a point, dating back to 1966.
“We should have scored some goals,” Guler said. “I feel sorry for the Turkish people because we should have won these games.”
Orlando Gil kept the lead by saving a tricky deflection of Melih Demiral’s shot early in the second half, and again midway through the half from Abdulkerim Bardakçi’s long-range shot. Gil then thwarted Kang Woo-zun’s approach late in the second half, and Deniz Gul sent the rebound wide of the target.
Türkiye’s last hopes were dashed when Melih Demiral’s header went wide in stoppage time.
“It’s sad,” Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella said. “It’s sad, but I’m very proud of the players. They gave their all until the final whistle. That’s what football is about. … We came very close to tying the score, but we also have to accept the situation.”
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup
