Paraguay stunned Türkiye with a lightning-quick goal to claim a 1-0 World Cup victory at Levi's Stadium, with the South American side holding firm despite playing most of the match with ten men.
Matías Galarza's early strike proved decisive in San Francisco as Paraguay pulled off a remarkable upset. Türkiye dominated possession and territory throughout, but Paraguay's disciplined defending and clinical finishing earned them three crucial points.
The match exploded into life within seconds. Galarza struck in the second minute, latching onto a loose ball and firing past Türkiye's goalkeeper. The goal sent shockwaves through Levi's Stadium and set the tone for an intense contest.
Galarza's early breakthrough came at a cost. Just two minutes later, the goalscorer received a yellow card for a rash challenge. This early caution would prove significant as Paraguay's discipline wavered under sustained Turkish pressure.
Türkiye seized control after falling behind. The home side dominated the ball with 79 percent possession and peppered Paraguay's goal with attempts. They fired 32 total shots but managed only five on target, struggling to find the clinical edge needed to break down Paraguay's organized defense.
Paraguay's task became even harder in the 45th minute when Miguel Almiron received a straight red card. The dismissal left the visitors with ten men heading into the second half, facing an uphill battle against a Turkish side hungry to equalize.
The second half saw Türkiye increase their intensity. Despite their numerical advantage, they could not find a way through Paraguay's stubborn backline. Juan Cáceres emerged as Paraguay's standout performer, making nine tackles and earning an 8.3 rating while his side held on desperately.
Vincenzo Montella, Türkiye's manager, made tactical adjustments to break the deadlock. He introduced fresh legs and pushed his team forward relentlessly. However, Paraguay's goalkeeper made five crucial saves to keep his team in the contest.
The statistics told a story of Turkish dominance without reward. Türkiye generated an expected goals total of 2.1 compared to Paraguay's 0.32. They completed 630 passes with 89 percent accuracy, yet Paraguay's resilience and Galarza's early goal proved enough.
Julio Enciso provided an assist for Paraguay despite limited opportunities, showcasing their efficiency in attack. Abdülkerim Bardakcı led Türkiye's defensive efforts with two key passes and an 8.0 rating, but his side's efforts went unrewarded.
As the final whistle approached, Türkiye's frustration grew. They pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Paraguay held firm. The South American side's ten-man defense frustrated every Turkish attack in the closing stages.
This result gives Paraguay a significant advantage in their World Cup group. Türkiye must regroup quickly despite their superior performance, as they face an uphill task in their remaining fixtures.
