How 10-Man Paraguay Pulled Off a Shocking Group D Upset Over Turkey

Miguel Almirón's Historic Red Card

Paraguay's task became significantly harder in first-half stoppage time when Miguel Almirón became the first player sent off under FIFA's new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontations. After a foul near midfield, Almirón and Turkey's Mert Muldur exchanged words, and Almirón briefly covered his mouth while speaking. Following a VAR review by Salvadoran referee Iván Barton, Almirón was shown a straight red card.

The rule, passed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), states that any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation can be penalized. The dismissal came in the third minute of first-half added time.

Paraguay's Defensive Stand

Despite playing with ten men for the entire second half, Paraguay produced a heroic defensive performance. Turkey dominated the match, registering 33 shot attempts — the most by any team in a losing effort in the tournament — but could not find an equalizer. Paraguay's defense, marshaled by goalkeeper and back line, absorbed wave after wave of Turkish attacks to secure the 1-0 win.

The result was especially impressive given Paraguay's crushing 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opening match just a week earlier.

Group D Standings and Implications

The win completely reshuffled Group D. After Matchday 2, the standings were:

(y = qualified as group winners; e = eliminated)

Turkey Eliminated: The defeat was Turkey's second in a row, ending their hopes of reaching the knockout stage in their first World Cup appearance since 2002. Despite the attacking effort against Paraguay, they leave the tournament without a single point.

United States Confirmed as Group Winners: With six points from two matches, the United States secured first place in Group D and advanced to the round of 32 as group winners.

What's at Stake: Paraguay vs Australia

All attention now turns to the final Group D matchday on June 25, where Paraguay faces Australia for the second-place spot in the group.

• Paraguay needs a win to leapfrog Australia and claim second place.
• Australia needs only a draw to secure second place on points.
• The winner advances to the knockout stage; the loser goes home.