Australia secured its place in the World Cup round of 32 with a disciplined 0-0 draw against Paraguay on Thursday, booking second place in Group D after a resilient display that delighted coach Tony Popovic while leaving the South Americans facing an anxious wait to determine whether their tournament will continue.
The result sent Australia into the knockout stage for the third time in its history and the second consecutive World Cup after reaching the last 16 in Qatar four years ago. The Socceroos finished behind group winners the United States and will travel to Dallas to face the runner-up from Group G, which will be decided after Friday’s matches between Egypt and Iran, and Belgium and New Zealand.
Although the performance lacked attacking flair, Australia’s players celebrated enthusiastically after the final whistle, embracing one another before acknowledging thousands of supporters who remained inside San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
“I’d like to think we dominated a crucial World Cup match with a very young squad when everything was on the line,” Popovic said. “The players showed composure, patience, quality and resilience. Now we’ll go to Dallas and try to do something special. Overall, we deserved it. We were very good today.”
Paraguay finished the group stage on four points and still has a realistic opportunity to advance as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams. However, Gustavo Alfaro’s side must now rely on results elsewhere before learning its fate.
“The feeling I have is that this was not enough,” Alfaro said afterward. “It wasn’t the result we wanted. Now we have to wait, and there is uncertainty. But I’m optimistic. I believe we will still reach the knockout stage.”
Popovic made six changes to the side that lost 2-0 to the United States, responding boldly after criticism over his team selection in that defeat.
Highly rated youngster Nestory Irankunda returned to the starting lineup alongside Connor Metcalfe, while Cristian Volpato joined Australia’s attacking trio in an attempt to inject greater creativity. Both Irankunda and Metcalfe had scored during Australia’s earlier victory over Turkey, making their omission against the Americans a major talking point.
With Jordan Bos switching from left-back to the right side to replace the injured Jacob Italiano, Australia immediately looked more adventurous.
The Socceroos controlled much of the opening half and repeatedly threatened down the flanks but struggled to produce the decisive final pass.
Within minutes of kickoff, Volpato slipped Jackson Irvine through inside the penalty area, only for the midfielder to fire directly at Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill from a promising position.
Bos and Volpato later tested Gill again before halftime, although neither effort seriously troubled the Paraguayan goalkeeper.
Paraguay produced little attacking threat before the interval, managing only a single shot, prompting Alfaro to introduce Mauricio at halftime in search of greater attacking urgency.
The substitute immediately became involved, attempting a speculative long-range effort early in the second half, but Australia continued to maintain its defensive discipline.
As the match wore on, Paraguay gradually established greater control, largely through the lively Julio Enciso.
The Brighton midfielder repeatedly drove through Australia’s midfield and created the South Americans’ best opportunities. His clearest chance arrived eight minutes from time when he broke into space before dragging a low effort wide of the left post.
Australia nearly snatched victory moments later.
Bos surged forward on a powerful run down the right wing, weaving between two defenders before firing narrowly wide of the far post in the 89th minute, drawing a roar from Australian supporters who briefly believed the breakthrough had arrived.
Paraguay mounted one final attack during stoppage time when Mauricio found space outside the penalty area, but his low effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by goalkeeper Joe Gauci, ensuring Australia safely reached the knockout stage.
The draw may not rank among Australia’s most memorable World Cup performances, but it reflected the defensive organization and tactical discipline Popovic has sought to instill since taking charge.
While the Socceroos now prepare for another opportunity to advance beyond the round of 32, Paraguay can only wait and hope that four points will prove sufficient to extend its campaign.
