Goal 65 Seconds After Kickoff… Player Sent Off for Covering Mouth While Speaking

[Anchor]

A rule designed to prevent hate speech, which mandates a red card for players who cover their mouths while speaking, was introduced for the first time at this World Cup. Paraguay overcame the misfortune of becoming the first team to be penalized under this rule, defeating Türkiye thanks to the fastest goal of the tournament.

Lee Seonghun reports.

[Reporter]

Just about five hours after Morocco's Saibari set the tournament's fastest goal record at 1 minute and 10 seconds into the match against Scotland, Paraguay's Galarza scored even earlier.

Only 1 minute and 5 seconds after the kickoff whistle blew against Türkiye, he fired a powerful left-footed shot from the front of the penalty arc to score the opening goal, breaking the record for the fastest goal of the tournament.

However, Paraguay suffered a "dishonorable record" late in the first half.

During a tense confrontation between players from both teams, midfielder Almiron was captured covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. Under the tournament's new rule, which mandates a red card for covering one's mouth during a confrontation to prevent hate speech or racist remarks, he became the first player to be sent off.

Reduced to 10 men, Paraguay was under heavy pressure from Türkiye in the second half, but they managed to hold on for a 1-0 victory thanks to brilliant saves by goalkeeper Hill.

With a record of one win and one loss, Paraguay kept their hopes of advancing to the Round of 32 alive, while Türkiye suffered their second consecutive defeat, facing the pain of early elimination.

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Host nation the United States defeated Australia 2-0, securing their spot in the Round of 32 with two consecutive wins.

After taking the lead with an own goal by Australia just 11 minutes into the first half, Freeman headed in a goal during a scramble in front of the net in the 43rd minute, which was confirmed after a video review, sealing the 2-0 victory.

(Video Editing: Park Chun-bae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.