Paraguay continued to shine and recorded their third win on the trot when they thrashed a struggling Turkey 3-1 in a Group B match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here today.
With this win, the South American side topped the pool with nine points.
Earlier, they had defeated Mali, one of the title contenders, 3-2, and New Zealand 4-2., at the D Y Patil stadium.
Giovanni Bogado (41st minute) and Fernando Cardozo (43rd) scored in the first half for Paraguay, while Antonio Galeano (61st) struck their third goal after the break to seal a thumping win.
Paraguay took the lead after missing a penalty. Bogado opened the scoring with a free-kick -- the mid-fielder curled the ball from the spot and it zoomed into the left corner of the goal, giving the Turkey custodian no chance.
Two minutes later, a back-heel from Cardozo did the trick for Paraguay, who went 2-0 up. Off a cross from Blas Aroma, Cardozo displayed exceptional skills and flicked the ball with his left foot, which went past the goalie.
In the second half, Paraguay slotted in their third goal. Bogado took a corner which was blocked by Turkey’s defence, and Galeano shot from outside the box, which deflected off Melih Gokcimen and went to the bottom right corner of the goal, as their goalkeeper stood rooted to the spot.
Earlier, in the second minute, Paraguay failed to convert a penalty, awarded after Turkey defender Emirhan Civelek brought down Amora. His teammate, Anibal Vega, who scored a brace in their last game, failed to convert, as the Turkey custodian dived to his left and ensured that the South American side did not get the lead and the initial advantage.
In the 10th minute, Turkey had a chance to take go ahead, but a header from their striker Malik Karaamhet was easily saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Diego Huesca.
In the 15th minute, off a brilliant pass, Vega shot above the bar, even as both sides seemed eager to open their account.
Paraguay had a good chance in the 37th minute when Amora took the ball inside the box and tried to curl one to the far post but it went wide.
Paraguay then regrouped and switched on their aggressive mode, which was missing in the first 35 minutes of play.
The South Americans surely did not miss their star players, Alan Rodriquez and Leonardo Sanchez, as the others chipped in.
Throughout the game, Turkey had their chances but, on most occasions, their players shot above the bar or wide or it was saved by the Paraguay goalkeeper.
It was only in the additional time of the second half that Turkey’s Kerem Kesgin dribbled past the opposition defenders and scored, reducing the margin of defeat.
Published 12 October 2017, 18:29 IST