Thank you to those who reached out for clarification on Turkey’s World Cup fate! Steve succinctly summarizes the situation:
“If Turkey lose tonight, they will 100% finish bottom of the group due to the priority of the various group stage tie-breakers. Even if they were to be best the USA in the last game, with 3 points they would be in a tie with either Australia or Paraguay – with both of those teams holding the tie-breaker (I.e., the head-to-head record) over Turkey.”
As the teams departed the pitch, chaos erupted near the halfway line. Substitutes and staff from both sides converged, making it challenging to distinguish one group from another, all clad in similar bibs. Officials stepped in, raising their arms in an effort to separate the shouting players.
What an exhilarating half it was!
In the closing moments of the first half, a fierce shot from Calhanoglu struck Gomez in the head, causing the Paraguay captain to stagger and fall. The referee interrupted play, signaling for a head injury, but Gomez quickly regained his footing.
Throughout the first half, Turkey searched for gaps on the left side, attempting to create triangles to penetrate Paraguay’s sturdy defense. A last-ditch shot veered wide as the relentless half progressed.
Just minutes before halftime, Ismail Yuksek took two long touches near the penalty area and unleashed a shot that flew just over the bar.
This marks the seventh red card of this World Cup, nearly double the total from the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron received a straight red card for covering his mouth during a chaotic moment.
As the first half wrapped up, an intense six minutes of added time led to a sudden outbreak of tension. Pitta of Paraguay was fouled near the center circle, sparking a confrontation between players from both teams. The referee worked to maintain order while both captains attempted to separate their teammates, but Ivan Barton ultimately called for a VAR review for a possible red card.
Enciso executed a brilliant run for Paraguay, collecting the ball close to Turkey’s box and skillfully evading several defenders. He was directed towards the right before sending a cross back to the penalty spot, but it was cleared.
Despite Turkey’s control of possession, they encountered a familiar problem from their previous match against Australia. Taking seven shots, only one was on target as Paraguay effectively shut down central areas, forcing Turkey to explore alternative routes to goal. At what point does one simply take a shot and hope for a rebound?
In a chaotic exchange, Turkey’s attack was halted as Gomez seemed to take down Akturkoglu just inside the penalty area. Akturkoglu slid toward the penalty spot, yet the referee dismissed the appeal.
A yellow card was issued to an unidentified member of the Paraguayan coaching staff for reasons that remained unclear.
Quickly countering, Paraguay aimed to exploit Turkey’s high defensive line. Galarza surged down the left after receiving a swift cross-field pass, but he was soon surrounded by two Turkish defenders, forcing him to retreat. Paraguay maintained possession, circulating the ball around the edge of the area before a shot was deflected by the goalkeeper.
Turkey nearly equalized! A superb free-kick from Guler was met by Muldur’s header near the six-yard box, but the ball hit both the crossbar and the near post before bouncing back into play. A Paraguayan defender reacted swiftly, clearing the threat.
Yuksek made a half-hearted appeal for a penalty after driving into the box, but a perfectly timed tackle by Gomez halted his advance, and the referee waved the claims away.
Arda Guler delivered another free-kick, sending a deep curling ball toward the penalty spot that was headed over the crossbar, prompting the referee to award Paraguay a free-kick.
As play resumed, it was noted that Paraguay’s goal was scored roughly six seconds faster than Morocco’s earlier today.
Emails have been flooding in during the break.
Paul asked, “They’re saying that Turkiye are out if this score stays like this. Is that right? Can they not still finish third, and join that lottery for a qualification place? Help an old man out.”
After some confusion, the answer is yes. Turkey can still mathematically finish third if they defeat the USA in their last match, but they would need to do so convincingly to overcome the negative goal difference they currently hold (-3). Therefore, they may be heading home if the scoreline remains unchanged.
During the first hydration break, the referee called for a timeout, allowing players and spectators to catch their breath.
Turkey continued their relentless assault, bombarding Paraguay’s penalty area with shots, corners, and crosses, all of which were repelled by determined defenders.
An incident on the left side saw Yildiz shoved in the back, resulting in yet another free-kick for Turkey. Calhanoglu took control of the situation, and his delivery was sent behind for another corner.
Interestingly, Paraguay’s goal, netted just 65 seconds into the match, does not rank among the top ten fastest goals in World Cup history. Ironically, the record belongs to Turkey, who scored in just 11 seconds against South Korea in 2002.
As Turkey maintained their grip on the game, they looked to find Yildiz on the left and Akgun or Guler on the right, but Paraguay’s resolute defense resulted in numerous corners. The question remained: could Turkey capitalize on these chances?
Paraguay bolstered their defense, positioning five players at the back as Turkey probed for openings. Attempts to penetrate the center often met with two defenders.
In a rapid counter, Paraguay sought to break as Almiron raced down the right flank and slipped the ball behind Turkey’s backline for Pitta. The striker sped down the field, evaded a defender, and attempted to cut the ball back into the area, but the referee stopped play for offside.
Following a spell of Turkish possession, Paraguay shifted the momentum with a throw-in. A deep curling cross from the right was deflected, and midfielder Diego Gomez charged in, launching a long-range shot that soared over the bar, unintentionally striking a Turkey fan in the torso behind the goal.
Both teams opened the match at a brisk pace, exploiting spaces on the flanks. Turkey gradually gained possession and began creating chances, yet Paraguay effectively blocked central paths, preventing clear shots.
After the opening goal, Galarza received the first yellow card of the match after colliding with Yunus Akgun.
Just moments after the whistle blew, Matias Galarza was called up to the starting lineup for Paraguay and made an immediate impact by stepping into space near Turkey’s penalty area and unleashing a powerful low shot into the bottom corner. This remarkable opening moment marked the fastest goal in the World Cup to date!
Referee Ivan Barton signaled the match’s commencement.
For keen observers, the prevalence of hot-pink boots worn throughout the World Cup has drawn attention, including players stepping onto the field for the anthems.
Fans filled San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for today’s crucial match, enjoying beautiful weather at 19 degrees Celsius (67 degrees Fahrenheit) under clear skies. It set the stage for an exciting evening of football, ideally providing both teams with the chance to deliver more compelling performances than seen in their opening matches.
Meanwhile, Brazil has maintained a 3-0 lead against Haiti, securing the top position in Group C. However, their performance was not as dominant as many anticipated, especially against a comparatively weaker opponent. An injury to Raphinha is a significant concern for the team.
Matheus Cunha scored twice in the first half, and Vinicius Jr added another, but Carlo Ancelotti’s side seemed more focused on preserving energy rather than seeking additional goals as the match wore on. This strategy could prove problematic if goal difference becomes a deciding factor in the battle with Morocco for the top position in Group C.
Excited Turkish fans will be thrilled to see the pairing of their two promising players, Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz, starting their first World Cup match together.
Guler, the talented creative midfielder from Real Madrid, was largely contained by Australia’s strong defense last week but still managed to deliver clever through-balls and find pockets of space around the penalty area. As a free-kick specialist, Paraguay must be cautious not to concede fouls near their own box.
Yildiz made a significant impact when he entered the match against Australia, adding a new dimension to Turkey’s previously subdued left-sided attack. He isn’t afraid to take on defenders and delivers precise crosses and cut-backs for teammates.
With Guler now positioned in central midfield and Yunus Akgun on the right, the chemistry between the two young talents could prove pivotal today.
In a surprising twist, attacker Isidro Pitta earned a starting role, having initially believed he wouldn’t make Paraguay’s World Cup squad and had already planned a holiday in Spain with his family during the tournament.
Known as “a fighter, a tireless worker and a constant nuisance for opposition defences” for his long hair and impressive ginger beard, Pitta has been in excellent form at Red Bull Bragantino and is described as “We built the victory in our attitude,” in the World Cup player guide.
For further insights and intriguing facts about the starting lineups, check out the guide below.
Paraguay has made a few adjustments, replacing two players from their 4-1 defeat to the USA last week.
Isidro Pitta steps in for Antonio Sanabria to team up with Enciso up front, while Matias Galarza takes over in midfield from Damian Bobadilla. Here’s their starting lineup.
Paraguay XI (4-4-2): 12 Gill; 6 Alonso, 3 Alderete, 15 Gomez, 4 Caceres; 10 Almiron, 23 Galarza, 14 Cubas, 8 Gomez; 25 Pitta, 19 Enciso.
Turkey has also made three changes following their loss to Australia.
Juventus star Kenan Yildiz joins the starting XI alongside right-back Mert Muldur and winger Yunus Akgun, while Orkan Kokcu, Baris Yilmaz, and Zeki Celik move to the bench. Here’s their lineup.
Turkey (4-2-3-1): 23 Cakir, 18 Muldur, 3 Demiral, 14 Bardakci, 20 Kadioglu, 16 Yuksek, 10 Calhanoglu, 19 Akgun, 8 Guler, 11 Yildiz, 7 Akturkoglu.
Elsewhere, Brazil continues to lead Haiti comfortably with a 3-0 scoreline. A win here will allow them to leapfrog Morocco and take the top spot in Group C.
Jonathan Howcroft is providing live updates as we await the lineups for Turkey and Paraguay.
Several players are worth watching today.
Despite difficulties breaking down a strong Australian defense, Turkey’s Arda Guler kept pushing with neat passes and crosses, consistently finding space around the penalty area.
Turkey’s midfield stalwart Hakan Calhanoglu drives the team’s engine, while winger Kenan Yildiz made a significant impact when he came off the bench a week ago.
For Paraguay, Julio Enciso was among their better performers in the loss to the USA, assisting the consolation goal from substitute Mauricio in the second half.
Andres Cubas also did his best to maintain Paraguay’s shape in midfield, though he was often overwhelmed by the USA’s pressing game.
Both teams have much to improve upon today. Let’s see if they can rise to the occasion.
For more details on how to watch the Turkey versus Paraguay match, refer to our friend Graham Ruthven’s insightful preview.
Turkey has a point to prove after an unexpected opening defeat to Australia. Vincenzo Montella’s side found it challenging to create against a low-block defense and could face similar issues again if Paraguay can maintain a solid backline, unlike their performance against the USA. Paraguay was unable to contain the USA’s offensive onslaught in Los Angeles, but they have more to offer if their qualification efforts are any indication. A result less than a draw would almost certainly eliminate their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.
Turkey’s opening defeat to Australia has left them with much to prove. Montella’s squad struggled to penetrate a low-block defense and could encounter similar challenges if Paraguay manages to maintain discipline in defense.
Although Paraguay faltered against the USA, they possess the potential to perform better if their qualification efforts are reflective. Anything less than a draw would significantly jeopardize their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.
For more on today’s earlier Group D match featuring co-hosts USA and Australia, you can find comprehensive coverage from our team in Seattle.
As match day two unfolds in the World Cup, the outlines of various groups are becoming clearer.
Mexico has secured their place in the knockout stage following a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Group A.
Canada and Switzerland both achieved wins in Group B, resulting in each team earning four points.
Lastly, Morocco narrowly defeated Scotland 1-0, bringing their total to four points in Group C, while Brazil competes against Haiti, aiming to join them.
If keeping up with every game proves overwhelming, the entertaining crew at Guardian Football Weekly offers daily summaries for your enjoyment, now available in video format!
In terms of group standings, Turkey and Paraguay have set their sights on Australia following the Socceroos’ 2-0 defeat to the USA earlier today.
A win for either side today would level them with Australia (3 points), but their final positions—second or third—will depend on goal difference.
The USA is nearly assured a spot in the round of 32 following their convincing victory, heading into their third and final group game with a comfortable six points. Here’s a recap from Alexander Abnos regarding the match:
As John Denver’s “Today, even if I am not American, after the game I was emotional … To connect with the people is what we wanted.” played over the stadium’s PA system, the crowd celebrated a historic moment: securing a place in the knockout round with a game to spare, marking the first time since 1930 that the USA had won two matches to start a World Cup. This significant achievement featured a breakout performance from goalscorer Alex Freeman, and US Soccer hopes this journey will be transformative for the sport in the country. “We built the victory in our attitude,” stated Mauricio Pochettino. “Today, even though I am not American, I was emotional after the game… Connecting with the people is what we aimed for.”
As John Denver’s “Country Roads” echoed through the Seattle Stadium, the crowd celebrated a historic achievement: securing a knockout round spot with a game to spare, the first time since 1930 that the USA won two World Cup matches in a row. This milestone featured a breakout performance from goalscorer Alex Freeman, and US Soccer hopes this journey will be a turning point for the sport in the nation.
“We built the victory in our attitude,” said Mauricio Pochettino. “Today, even though I am not American, I felt emotional after the game… Connecting with the people is what we wanted.”
Welcome to our live coverage of Group D’s second match between Turkey and Paraguay. Kick-off at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium is set for 8:00 PM local time (11 PM EDT/4 AM BST/1 PM AEST).
Both teams enter this pivotal encounter after suffering surprising losses in their opening matches. Turkey, once favored to top their group, unexpectedly fell 2-0 to Australia, while Paraguay was soundly defeated 4-1 by the USA last week.
Neither side was particularly convincing in those games. Turkey’s dominant possession did not translate into meaningful chances, yielding an average expected goals (xG) of just 0.04, despite featuring two of the tournament’s most promising young attackers in Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz.
Paraguay, on the other hand, struggled defensively, allowing the USA to accumulate 53 touches in their penalty area—the second-most behind Curaçao’s disastrous outing against Germany. They did manage to score from their only shot on target, but that glimmer of hope merely masked deeper issues.
Consequently, both teams will be eager to restore their reputations and rectify their negative goal difference as the path to the round of 32 narrows before them. The loser of this match is likely to be eliminated.
This represents the first high-stakes encounter between Turkey and Paraguay in their history, with their only previous meeting being a friendly over a decade ago, making this a match of discovery for both squads.
I will return shortly with the line-ups, but in the meantime, what were your thoughts on the opening performances of these two teams? Which outcome surprised you the most? How do you envision this match playing out? Feel free to send me an email at samantha.lewis.freelance@
