0:1 against Paraguay: Turkey is out

Turkey's World Cup journey has ended after a 0-1 defeat to Paraguay, a result that seals their elimination from the group stage. The team, featuring Real Madrid star Arda Güler, succumbed to a single goal despite playing against 10 men for a significant portion of the match. This marks a major disappointment, as their first World Cup appearance since 2002 concludes with a group stage exit. Paraguay secured the win with an early goal from Matías Galarza in the second minute, a strike from around 20 meters that found the corner of the net. The match took a dramatic turn when Paraguay's Miguel Almirón was sent off in first-half stoppage time for covering his mouth during a dispute with Turkey's Mert Müldür, a decision made under a new tournament rule aimed at preventing discriminatory behavior. Although Turkey dominated possession for large parts of the first half, they struggled to convert their advantage into goals. Despite increased pressure in the second half with the man advantage, they were unable to break down Paraguay's determined defense, which held firm to secure the crucial three points for their team.

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His team wanted to fight back on the pitch, Montella had said after the criticism he considered excessive following the 0-2 at the start against Australia.