Dazzling Paraguay crush Turkey to emerge toppers

MUMBAI: Paraguay produced another dazzling display of attacking football to rout Turkey 3-1 and finish their Group B proceedings in style. Ten goals in three games is proof of the South American team’s quality and Paraguay’s firepower was again on show. Giovvanni Bogado (41st min), Fernando Cardozo (43rd) and Antonio Galeano (61st) were on target to ensure they topped the group with an all-win record.

Kerem Kesgin got a late consolation goal for Turkey with a fine solo effort, but it was a forgettable campaign for the Europeans, who finished at the bottom of Group B.

With Turkey’s defence holding firm against Paraguay’s passing game, the South Americans showed their quality from the dead ball. Handed an opportunity to take a free-kick from the top of the box in the 41st minute, Bogado produced a curling effort which left the goalkeeper looking silly. Within minutes, Paraguay were 2-0 up after a deft finish by Fernando Cardozo. As the game pushed past the hour mark, Antonio Galeano made it 3-0, his shot taking a deflection on the way in.