Australia are through to the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup after a drab 0-0 draw with Paraguay.
Both sides entered the game knowing a point would likely be enough to qualify for the knockout phase and the Socceroos will be thrilled to make the knockout stages for the third time in their history.
Tony Popovic’s side controlled the game for the most part, dominating possession, though they struggled to breakdown their opponents low block.
Six changes were made after the loss against Paraguay and while it was thrilling, Australia looked organised out of possession and composed on the ball.
The performance was a vast improvement on the loss to America, though there is still some left to be desired.
The draw, crucially means the Socceroos have avoided Germany and are currently on course to take on Iran in the next round.
Jordan Bos was Australia’s star man as he looked a constant threat down their right
Cristian Volpato was good money for his start as he linked up well with Jordan Bos
Lucas Herrington looked well beyond his years in his first World Cup start
Jackson Irvine was the calming influence in midfield that Australia had been missing against the USA
Australia (3-4-2-1)
Patrick Beach – 6
Was a passenger in the first-half as Paraguay were happy to sit in and absorb pressure.
Got himself in a tangle from a dangerous backpass from Aziz Behich but managed to sort his feet out just in time to avoid disaster.
Had to be alert to make a save from Mauricio in stoppage time to preserve Australia’s point.
Alesandro Circati – 7
Didn’t have too much to do in the first-half as Paraguay rarely threatened, but dealt with Julio Enciso on his rare forray into the Australia half.
Dealt with Paraguay’s threat as they pushed for a winner in the second-half, and looked assured on the ball.
Harry Souttar – 7
Marshalled Australia’s defence nicely early on, like his defensive partners he had little to do in the first half.
Wasn’t called into action as much as the wide defenders as Paraguay struggled to cause any real problems.
Perhaps would have hoped to have carried more threat from set pieces.
Lucas Herrington – 7
Would have never guessed it was first World Cup start for the Socceroos as he dealt with anything Paraguay sent down his side.
Read the game well and won a number of key tackles to nip Paraguay attacks in the bud.
Jordan Bos – 8
Looked most likely to score for the Socceroos as he was tasked with keeping the width for his side despite starting on the right side.
Linked up nicely with Cristian Volpato in the first-half as the pair spear headed Australia’s attack.
Unfortunate not to score after he had done all the hard work when he skipped away from two tackles before bending his effort just past the left post.
Jackson Irvine – 7
Very solid on the ball even if he lacked a little invention on the ball, kept it moving nicely though.
Earlly effort stung the palms of Orlando Gill inside the opening five minutes of the first-half.
Was the calming influence that Australia needed in the middle, but would have liked more creativity in his passing.
Aiden O’Neill – 6
So much better than in the loss against America as he managed to get on the ball and tried to find his attackers.
His wild effort from range typified Australia’s lack of creativity as the Socceroos were restricted, by-in-large to efforts from outside the box.
Aziz Behich – 5
Drifted through the first-half somewhat as Australia attacked primarily down their right-hand side.
Pretty solid in possession when he had the ball at his feet.
Cristian Volpato – 7
A constant threat to beat his man down the Socceroos right, linked nicely with Jodan Bos as well.
Had a strong effort well saved by Gill late in the first-half, but struggled with his set-piece delivery which will be a point of frustration.
Unlucky to be subbed off just before the hour mark for Ajdin Hrustic.
Connor Metcalfe – 5
ndustrious down Australia’s left, but like Behich couldn’t really get into the game as Australia spent large periods attacking down the right.
Another who had a tame shot that was comfortably saved by Gill with Australia restricted to speculative efforts.
Nestory Irankunda cut a frustrated figure in an unfamiliar lone striker role where he struggled to have a real impact
Nestory Irankunda – 4
Playing in an unfamiliar position as the lone striker and struggled to get into the game as he was crowded out by Paraguay’s back-three.
Spurned his only real chance to run behind when he snatched at an effort that drifted out for a throw-in.
Was taken off in the 84th minute as he looked leggy and couldn’t get at Paraguay’s defence.
Subs:
Ajdin Hrustic – 6
Replaced the lively Cristian Volpato and was right into the action as he had a snapshot from outside the box blocked on the hour mark.
His cut back was fired straight at Orland Gill by Tete Yengi.
Paul Okon-Engstler – 5
Came on late, and was solid in the middle, though didn’t have enough time to really impact the game.
Tete Yengi – 6
The big striker replaced Nestory Irankunda in the 84th minute, had a good opportunity a couple of minutes from time but couldn’t generate enough power to beat Gill from around 8 yards out.
Tony Popovic – 6
A much more attacking side than that against America as his side dominated the ball against Paraguay.
Was happy to stick as Australia looked to see the game out for the point that was enough to see Socceroos finish second and make it through to the knockout stages.
