Paraguay survive as Galarza goal knocks out Türkiye

Paraguay knock out Türkiye, survive in Group D

Paraguay 1–0 Türkiye on Friday and your World Cup is breathing again (3) (4) (5) (6) (7). A single goal, parried out and forced home at close range, was enough. Julio Enciso's deflected strike squirmed under the keeper and Galarza pushed the rebound into the net (3). Almirón started the move. One chance, one moment, and Türkiye go home.

Alfaro: "We knew how to win"

Gustavo Alfaro did not mince words after the match. "We knew how to beat Türkiye and we applied it on the pitch," the Paraguay coach said (6). After the 4–1 collapse against the USA, this was a complete reset.

"Ahora sí, carajo"

CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez kept it raw (4). The celebration tells you how much this meant beyond the team, South America needed Paraguay to stay alive, and they did.

Orlando Gill under the lights

The referee stopped play to ask Paraguay keeper Orlando Gill to get back up after a delay (Reddit). Absurd moment, but Gill held his nerve. Clean sheet when it mattered.

Thursday: winner takes all

Australia lost 2–0 to the USA (2). That sets up Paraguay vs Australia on Thursday, and it is simple. Win, and you go through. USA already progress on six points. The other spot is yours to take (2) (8).

Fan-reaktioner

Paraguay fans online are fixated on FIFA's new tiebreaker, head-to-head before goal difference means groups can lock up after two matchdays, and the Türkiye result confirms it (Reddit). Others flagged Abdülkerim Bardakcı's surreal stat: 98 passes, 100% completion, and still on the losing side (Reddit). The mood is relief with a hard edge, Thursday is everything now.

Fan thread: New tiebreaker rule already killing must-win games on matchday 2