Meridian

World

Galarza's lightning strike sinks Turkey as 10-man Paraguay survive

The fastest goal of the tournament and a controversial new-rule red card defined Paraguay's gritty win that eliminated Turkey.

By Rafael Mendez1 min read
Galarza's lightning strike sinks Turkey as 10-man Paraguay survive. Meridian world.

Paraguay produced a backs-to-the-wall classic at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, beating Turkey 1-0 with ten men to eliminate their opponents and keep their own World Cup alive. It was a night of drama from the very first whistle to the last.

Galarza strikes inside 65 seconds

Midfielder Matias Galarza needed barely a minute to break the deadlock, unleashing a long-range effort just 1:05 after kickoff for the fastest goal of the tournament to date. Turkey, needing a win to survive, were stunned before they had settled.

Almiron's historic red

Paraguay's task got harder in first-half stoppage time when Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the World Cup under FIFA's new rule, shown a straight red for covering his mouth while speaking to Mert Muldur during an altercation. Referee Ivan Barton reviewed the incident before issuing the card.

Reduced to ten men, Paraguay defended for their lives as Turkey poured forward, but the South Americans held firm. The win sent Turkey home and set up a winner-takes-second showdown with Australia on the final matchday.

The daily digest

One email each morning, all the day’s reporting.