Paraguay Eliminates Turkey in Heroic World Cup Victory Despite Red Card

Paraguay stunned Turkey with a 2–1 upset in a World Cup Group D clash, advancing past the eliminated team and keeping their knockout-round hopes alive after a first-half goal and a resilient second-half performance. The win came despite Paraguay playing much of the match with 10 men after forward Brian Almirón was sent off in the 69th minute, according to ESPN Deportes and France 24.

Turkey, already eliminated from the tournament, had taken the lead in the 27th minute through Enes Ünal’s header, but Paraguay equalized just before halftime through a controversial penalty awarded to the South Americans. The decisive strike came from the spot in the 45th minute, scored by Derlis González after a foul on Almirón in the box, according to Los Angeles Times and CNN en Español.

The second half saw Paraguay’s defense hold firm, with goalkeeper José Rodríguez making a series of crucial saves to preserve the lead. Turkey, despite their elimination, pushed hard for an equalizer but failed to break down Paraguay’s organized backline. The final whistle left Turkey with their second straight defeat in the tournament, while Paraguay’s victory ensured they remain in contention for a place in the knockout stages.

Why did Paraguay’s win matter?
The victory was Paraguay’s second in three World Cup matches, a turnaround from their opening-day defeat to the United States. With Turkey already out of the tournament, Paraguay now sits second in Group D with six points, behind the U.S. (who defeated Wales 3–1 earlier in the day) but ahead of Iran and Canada. Their next challenge comes against Iran on June 24, a match that will determine whether they advance to the Round of 16.

How did Turkey’s elimination play out?
Turkey’s exit from the World Cup was sealed after their 0–2 loss to Morocco in their previous match. Their final group game against Paraguay was a formality, but the team’s performance—particularly their inability to capitalize on Paraguay’s reduced numbers—highlighted their struggles in this tournament. Coach Şenol Güneş’s side had entered the competition as one of the favorites but failed to deliver, finishing bottom of their group with just one point.

What happens next for Paraguay?
Paraguay’s path forward hinges on their next two matches. A win against Iran on June 24 would secure their advancement to the Round of 16, while a draw would still leave them in contention if the U.S. fails to win their remaining game. Their final group match against Canada on June 28 will be critical in determining their exact seeding, but their current form suggests they are among the most dangerous teams in the knockout stages.

How did the sources frame the story?
While most outlets emphasized Paraguay’s resilience and tactical discipline, France 24 and Diario AS highlighted the emotional impact of the victory, noting how the team rallied after Almirón’s red card. In contrast, Los Angeles Times focused on the statistical significance of Paraguay’s turnaround, pointing out that their two wins in three games had shifted the group dynamic entirely.

Key figures in the match:

• Derlis González (Paraguay): Scored the equalizing penalty in the 45th minute.
• José Rodríguez (Paraguay): Made crucial saves in the second half to preserve the lead.
• Enes Ünal (Turkey): Scored Turkey’s only goal in the 27th minute.
• Brian Almirón (Paraguay): Sent off in the 69th minute for a second yellow card, leaving Paraguay with 10 men for much of the second half.

With their World Cup campaign still alive, Paraguay’s next challenge will be maintaining their defensive solidity while looking to build on their recent offensive improvements.