The Socceroos have advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds for the third time in their history following a goalless draw against Paraguay in Santa Clara. The 0-0 result at the San Francisco Bay Area stadium was sufficient for Australia to secure second place in Group D.
Both teams entered the match knowing that a draw would be enough to progress to the last 32, which contributed to periods of play lacking significant intensity. Despite this, Tony Popovic’s team achieved a historic milestone on a cool night, delighting over 12,000 fans present.
Team Changes and Key Performances
Popovic made several changes to the starting lineup, with six alterations from the previous match. Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato were included, and Connor Metcalfe also started. Striker Mohamed Touré was replaced, and Irankunda played centrally, mirroring the strategy used in the second half against the USA.
Jacob Italiano, who was injured, was replaced by Aziz Behich, while Jordy Bos switched flanks to start on the right. Jackson Irvine took the place of Paul Okon-Engstler in midfield. Lucas Herrington, making his World Cup debut, came in at left central defence for Cam Burgess. At 18, Herrington became the youngest Socceroo to start at a World Cup, surpassing Irankunda’s record.
Herrington displayed composure early in the game, distributing the ball effectively under pressure from Paraguay. He also demonstrated physicality, winning a header in midfield and then beating Diego Gómez to the ball. Bos, playing on the right side of defence, and Herrington were highlighted as strong performers for the Socceroos.
Match Dynamics and Opportunities
As anticipated, Paraguay adopted a defensive approach, allowing Australia to maintain the majority of possession. The Socceroos found their most promising attacking opportunities down the right flank, through the new combination of Bos and Volpato. Both players are left-footed, which at times limited width, but they also created Australia’s best chance in the first half.
Volpato drew a defender, setting up Bos, whose shot from 20 meters was saved by Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Orlando Gil. On the other side of the pitch, Metcalfe sustained a cut above his eye after a collision during the first-half drinks break, requiring medical attention.
The second half began with some anxious moments for Australia. Irvine received a booking for a challenge on Julio Enciso. Later, Andrés Cubas unleashed a powerful long-range shot that was safely collected by the goalkeeper. A mix-up between the goalkeeper and Behich on a back pass was narrowly averted by the goalkeeper’s quick intervention.
With both teams seemingly content with a draw, the match concluded without further goals. Bos had a late chance for Australia, sending his shot wide, and the goalkeeper gathered an injury-time strike from Paraguay. The final score remained 0-0.
Looking Ahead
The draw ensures the Socceroos’ progression, providing a platform for further advancement in the tournament. They will now have a week of rest before their last-32 match, which is scheduled to take place in Dallas in eight days.
The team will remain in Oakland until Wednesday before traveling to Texas. Their next opponent is yet to be determined but will be the second-placed team from Group G, which concludes on Friday. Belgium is well-positioned to finish second in that group, needing a victory against New Zealand to secure qualification. Their final standing also depends on the outcome of the match between Egypt and Iran, though Belgium cannot top the group if Egypt wins.
Paraguay, who lost their opening game 4-1 to the United States but then beat Turkey 1-0, were without playmaker Miguel Almiron for this match. Almiron was suspended after receiving a red card against Turkey. Australia had previously beaten Turkey 2-0 before losing 2-0 to the USA.
Andres Cubas, a midfielder for Paraguay, committed five fouls in each of his team’s two previous matches at the World Cup.
The match was played on Friday, June 26.
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Source: theguardian.com