Matías Galarza becomes first foreign Vasco academy graduate to score at a World Cup | OneFootball

Matías Galarza became the first foreign player developed by Vasco to score at a World Cup, his goal earning Paraguay a 1-0 win over Türkiye. He was named player of the match.

The midfielder struck in the opening minute from outside the box, the fastest goal of the tournament so far. According to Globo.com, he joined Vasco's under-20s in 2020 and made his senior debut in 2021.

Other Vasco academy scorers at World Cups are Vavá with nine in 1958 and 1962, Romário with five in 1994, Roberto Dinamite with three in 1978, Coutinho with two in 2018, and Friaça and Alfredo II with one each in 1950. Galarza now has one in 2026.

The list could yet grow before the end of the tournament, with Rayan having made his World Cup debut for the national team on Friday.

Galarza played two seasons for Vasco’s first team between 2021 and 2022, registering 58 appearances and five goals. He was then sold to Talleres in Argentina and later moved to River Plate and Atlanta United.

He is on Eduardo Coudet’s list of players to be released and is not expected to be used by River next season.

Source: Globo.com