Australia secured their place in the World Cup Round of 32 with a calculated 0-0 draw against Paraguay at the San Francisco Bay Area stadium, becoming the first Socceroos side to reach consecutive knockout stages. The result saw Tony Popovic’s team finish second in Group D behind co-hosts USA, while Paraguay ended with four points and officially progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
The stalemate in Santa Clara served both teams’ purposes. Aware that a point would guarantee Australia second place and see Paraguay through to the last 32, neither side took significant risks during a cagey affair. The Socceroos controlled possession for long periods but struggled to break down a deep-lying Paraguayan defence, with both teams appearing content to protect their positions as the match wore on.
Popovic gambles on youth and rotation
Head coach Tony Popovic made six changes to the lineup that faced the USA, handing a full World Cup debut to 18-year-old defender Lucas Herrington. The teenager set a record as the youngest Socceroo to start at the tournament, producing an assured performance alongside the more experienced defensive unit.
St. Pauli midfielders Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe anchored the centre of the pitch, with the latter continuing his campaign after scoring against Türkiye. Former Eintracht Frankfurt player Ajdin Hrustic also appeared, making his first outing of the tournament from the bench. Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato provided attacking options, while Aziz Behich and Jordy Bos operated at full-back.
Mathew Souttar retained the captain’s armband in a much-changed side. Australia’s best opportunity arrived when Volpato created space on the edge of the area to tee up Bos, but the defender’s 20-metre strike was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gil. Connor Metcalfe suffered a cut above his eye following a first-half collision but continued after treatment.
Round of 32 fixtures confirmed
The Socceroos will now travel to Dallas to face the runners-up from Group G, with Belgium well-placed to secure that position when the section concludes. Paraguay will meet Group E winners Germany in Foxborough.
This marks Australia’s third appearance in the World Cup knockout phase. They were eliminated by eventual champions Argentina at the same stage in Qatar four years ago and will hope to progress further when they return to action next week.
Germany will provide formidable opposition for Paraguay. The two nations previously met in the Round of 16 at the 2002 World Cup, when Oliver Neuville’s late goal sent Germany through en route to the final. Their most recent encounter was a 3-3 friendly draw staged before the 2014 tournament. Should Germany defeat Paraguay, they will face either France or Sweden in the next round.