Paraguay won an unexpected victory over Türkiye on Friday night, and this result had a huge impact on Türkiye and USA. With Paraguay's victory, the USA men's national team secured first place in Group D. Turkey, with 0 wins and 2 losses, is guaranteed 4th place in Group D and will not be able to advance to the knockout round regardless of the results of the remaining matches. USA had already clinched a spot in the knockout round with a 2-0 win over Australia earlier on Friday, improving its record in group play to 2-0. With the USA secured first place in Group D, USA will play their final game against Turkey next Thursday in an exhibition match. USA won Group D and will advance to the Round of 32, which will be held on July 1st at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, but their opponent has not yet been decided. Paraguay and Australia both remain in the running and will meet in the other final match of Group D next Thursday. On Friday night, Turkey dominated the ball, going 11-10 for more than half of the game after Paraguay's red card at the end of the first half, but they were unable to convert their possession into goals, and Paraguay's early goal was the deciding factor in the game. Matias Garza converted a turnover in Turkey's territory to give Paraguay a goal 1:04 into the game. No one scored after that. After early mistakes, Turkey quickly dominated the ball and finished the first half with 81% to 19% possession. They had two shots on goal in the first half, and their best scoring opportunity came when Mert Myrdur's header from a free kick hit the crossbar and the right post, missing the target. Turkey then had a chance to equalize from Can Uzun, but Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gil saved it. Deniz Gul's rebound shot went wide to the left, preserving Paraguay's lead. Turkey finished the match with 78% to 22% possession and 5 to 2 shots on goal, but could not score a goal. Gill finished the game with five saves. Further hurting Turkey, Paraguay played the entire second half of the match and the end of the first half with one fewer man. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron was sent off with a red card at the end of the first half for covering his mouth and saying something to a Turkish player. This is based on the "Vini Junior Rule" issued by FIFA after a Champions League match in which the Brazilian Real Madrid forward was allegedly subjected to a racial slur. This rule exists to prevent hiding "discriminatory behavior" on the field. After reviewing the video, the referee immediately sent Almiron off. It is unclear what Almiron said, but it has no bearing on the application of the rules. Paraguay continued to play despite being at a disadvantage in numbers, but Turkey was unable to capitalize on their advantage after halftime.
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