In a conference full of emotions in San Francisco, Turkey was sent to a number of World Cup matches losing in a row, losing 1-0 to Paraguay after suffering from Australia.
As a result, Turkey, one of the pre-tournament dark horses, joins Haiti on the exit door very quickly. They failed to score a single goal despite amassing 62 attempts – the most attempts without a goal in any two-match period in the competition’s history.
In 180 minutes of football, Vincenzo Montella, who was booked on the night, could watch as his team squandered chance after chance. Orlando Gill made five saves to deny the likes of Kenan Yildiz, Can Uzun and Deniz Gul. Mert Muldur’s header from a clever free-kick hit the crossbar and hit the post. Sadly, nothing will stick.
Merih Demiral’s header late in stoppage time went wide, ending any faint hope. They became the second group to be eliminated early.
Paraguay, on the other hand, are very much alive and kicking in Group D. They were forced to play the entire second half with 10 after Miguel Almiron was sent off just before half-time, penalized by VAR in a new rule designed to add greater clarity and fairness to the game. Almiron closed his mouth when he collided with Moldur, which was seen by video officials.
And after on-field referee Ivan Barton was sent to the screen to review the incident, the result was inevitable.
The game winner came early in the tie, after 65 seconds, as Matias Galarza scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far. Paraguay were defiant, with only 22 percent possession but enough defensive nouse to protect their lead with a young player.
Miguel Almiron of Paraguay was sent off in the second half
Their finals of the tournament will extend to the final round of group matches, where they will face Australia in a head-to-head battle for second place. Hosts USA are already guaranteed to finish as Group D winners.
