Australia are into the last 32 of the World Cup and Paraguay are well placed to join them after a 0-0 draw in San Francisco which suited both sides.
The two teams finish Group D on four points but Australia’s superior goal difference has earned them second spot and automatic progression. They will face the second-placed team from Group G in the next round, which is currently Iran but could be Egypt, Belgium or even New Zealand.
Paraguay, who set up to secure a clean sheet, currently rank fourth in the third-place standings, with eight of the 12 third-placed finishers going through. They didn’t have a shot until the second half after switching to a back three to match their opponents – although sub Mauricio did almost grab a late winner which would have changed the picture completely and left Australia in big trouble.
Paraguay had conceded four to USA in their opener and then faced 32 shots from Turkey in their second match but this was a far more determined and better-organised defensive display against an Australia side which had plenty of possession but little incision.
Ultimately this largely forgettable game was all about the result which has ensured Australia’s adventure goes on and should be enough for Paraguay, too.
What the result means…
The key moments in San Francisco…
- 4: SHOT! Jackson Irvine forces a strong stop from Orlando Gill as Australia get on the front foot right away.
- 36: SHOT! Jordan Bos hits the target with a strike from distance as the Aussies struggle to cut through.
- 45+2: SHOT! Cristian Volpato stepped in from the right and forces Gill to punch away his left-foot shot.
- 50: SHOT! Half-time sub Mauricio lands Paraguay’s first shot on target as they show more intent at the start of the second period.
- 90: CHANCE! Bos cuts in from the right onto his left foot but bends his shot wide of the far post. It’s Australia’s best move.
- 90+3: CHANCE! Mauricio almost wins it for Paraguay but his snap shot is straight at Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach.
In pictures: Australia celebrate reaching the knockouts
Paraguay optimistic of progress
Paraguay captain Gustavo Gomez: “It was an even, physical match. We struggled in the first half. I think we couldn’t find our footing. We made adjustments at half-time, and the second half was better.
“The important thing is that we earned a point, and I think with this result we’ve qualified, which was our primary objective.”
Analysis: Aussies through – now they need the right mix to continue
Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:
Three games, three very different performances for Australia at this World Cup.
Their fans delighted in their attacking play in the win over Turkey. There was then the reality check against USA. And finally this controlled performance to secure second place against Paraguay.
There may have been a late scare when Mauricio hit the target in stoppage time but Australia are safely through to the knockouts after limiting Paraguay to a mere 0.25 xG and two shots on target. So what performance will Australia deliver in the last 32?
Tony Popovic made six changes for this final group game, despite plenty still riding on it, so he has options and some fresher than others. Jordan Bos stood out against Paraguay, having been shifted to right wing-back. Cristian Volpato also looked bright on that side.
But now Popovic has to find the right combination to retain the security they had here with more cutting edge in the final third – which will be essential if their journey is to continue.
