A thunderbolt has struck the World Cup: Turkey has been eliminated from the tournament after a dismal defeat to Paraguay (0-1).
Stunned by a goal from Matias Galarza after just 64 seconds, the Turks put in a complete non-performance throughout the first 45 minutes.
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But the match had seemed to be revived after Miguel Almiron’s sending-off just before halftime with the first application of the “Prestianni” rule.
However, despite having the numerical advantage for the entire second half, Turkey went on to squander chance after chance in front of goal, even wasting several huge opportunities.
Unable to find a breakthrough, the Turks thus become the second team to be eliminated from the World Cup after Haiti. With 0 points, Turkey can no longer even hope to finish third.
With the United States on six points, while Australia and Paraguay, both on three points, have already beaten the Turks, Turkey is out. The two countries therefore hold the advantage in head-to-head matchups, which is now the first tiebreaker between teams level on points.
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For its part, Paraguay is back in contention and will play for qualification to the round of 16 in what looks like the Group D final against Australia.
