Paraguay take 1-0 half-time lead against Turkey in do-or-die clash

Paraguay took a crucial step toward World Cup survival by securing a 1-0 first-half lead against Turkey in a decisive Group D encounter at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Saturday (June 20).

The South Americans stunned Turkey just 64 seconds after kickoff when Matías Galarza fired home from outside the box following a clever assist from Julio Enciso, registering one of the fastest goals of the tournament.

Turkey responded with overwhelming possession, controlling nearly 82 percent of the ball during the opening half, but struggled to convert dominance into goals. Arda Güler squandered an early opportunity, while Mert Müldür came agonizingly close in the 34th minute when his header struck both the crossbar and post from a Hakan Çalhanoğlu free-kick.

The match took a dramatic turn in first-half stoppage time when Paraguay captain Miguel Almirón was shown a straight red card after a VAR review. The dismissal came under FIFA’s newly introduced regulation prohibiting players from deliberately covering their mouths while communicating on the pitch.

Reduced to 10 men, Paraguay nevertheless held firm until the break. Turkey managed 12 shots but only one on target, while Paraguay converted one of their two shots on target to maintain a slender yet vital advantage.

With both sides needing victory to keep their knockout hopes alive, the second half promises high drama. As it stands, Turkey are heading toward an early World Cup exit, while Paraguay remain on course for a crucial three points.