World Cup: Enciso helps Paraguay qualify, Netherlands thrash Sweden
Strasbourg attacker Julio Enciso played a decisive role as Paraguay secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey and booked their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages. The only goal came after just two minutes in Santa Clara. Following a high turnover from Andrés Cubas, Enciso drove forward before releasing Matías Galarza with a perfectly weighted through ball. The midfielder surged onto the pass and fired beyond Uğurcan Çakır from distance to give Paraguay an early lead.
Enciso’s assist ultimately proved enough for Paraguay, who were forced to defend for much of the match after Miguel Almirón was sent off in first-half stoppage time. Despite enjoying a man advantage for the entire second half, Turkey failed to find an equaliser, striking the woodwork three times and wasting several clear opportunities. The result secures Paraguay’s place in the last 16 while condemning Vincenzo Montella’s side to an early exit after successive defeats to Australia and Paraguay. The result means that the United States has taken top spot in Group D, after the Stars and Stripes secured their victory over Australia yesterday evening.
Netherlands convince against Sweden
The Netherlands produced one of the performances of the FIFA World Cup so far as they swept aside Sweden 5-1 in Houston to move top of Group F. The Oranje had to do it without Marseille’s Quentin Timber, who was ruled out late this week.
After being held to a 2-2 draw by Japan in their opening match, Ronald Koeman's side responded emphatically. Brian Brobbey gave the Oranje an early lead after five minutes before doubling their advantage 12 minutes later with another close-range finish.
The Dutch continued to dominate after the break as Cody Gakpo scored twice in quick succession to put the result beyond doubt. Sweden briefly reduced the deficit through Anthony Elanga, but any hopes of a comeback were ended when Crysencio Summerville added a fifth late on.
The victory sees the Netherlands take control of the group heading into their final fixture against Tunisia. Sweden, who had opened their campaign with a convincing win over Tunisia, will now need a result against Japan to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
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