Paraguay knock Turkey out, Almirón sent off, Australia showdown Thursday

Paraguay beat Turkey, keep knockout hopes alive

Paraguay defeated Turkey in their second Group D match, eliminating the Turks and keeping your team in the tournament (2) (3) (4). The score was not immediately confirmed across sources, but the result is enough, Turkey are out after two matches, and Paraguay live to fight another day.

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella could not believe what he saw. "We shot 62 times on goal, never seen anything like it," he said after the defeat (4). His job is now under serious threat, with Antonio Conte already being linked as a replacement, salary rumors and all (7). Turkish media let him have it: "The compassion shown to you is over" (2).

Almirón sent off for covering his mouth

Miguel Almirón was shown a straight red card against Turkey for covering his mouth while speaking, a decision that will go down in World Cup history (1) (6). It is the first dismissal of its kind under FIFA's tightened disciplinary code.

After the match, coach Gustavo Alfaro had a pointed message for his winger: "You should have said everything to him in Guaraní. He doesn't understand" (Reddit). Almirón apologised to his teammates in the post-match prayer huddle, speaking first to own the mistake.

Australia's Jackson Irvine backed the call with zero sympathy. "The expulsion for covering your mouth to insult seems fine to me," he said (1) (6).

Thursday: Australia decides everything

Paraguay face Australia in the final Group D match on Thursday, a straight shootout for the knockout stage (1) (5). Australia lost to the United States but took positives from that defeat, and they now sit between Paraguay and the last 16 (5).

Win and you are through. Simple as that.

Montella under fire, Conte waiting

Turkish media turned on Montella immediately after the Paraguay loss. One outlet wrote that even if the World Cup started again tomorrow, "he still wouldn't learn the lesson and would make the same mistakes" (2). The Conte rumors are concrete, his salary has already been reported (7).

Fan-reaktioner

Paraguay fans loved Alfaro's Guaraní line to Almirón, it is the kind of sharp, cultural detail that travels fast in a dressing room. The apology moment hit hard too: Almirón speaking first in the prayer circle, owning the red card in front of everyone. Read the full exchange here.