The Socceroos are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup for just the third time after a disciplined 0-0 draw against Paraguay sealed second place in Group D on Friday afternoon.
Tony Popovic’s side only needed a point to advance and produced a composed display in Santa Clara, California, controlling much of the contest before surviving a late scare to book a place in the Round of 32.
Australia will now travel to Dallas to face the runner-up from Group G, with Egypt, Iran and Belgium all still in contention to become the Socceroos’ next opponents.
The result marks Australia’s third appearance beyond the group stage after memorable runs in Germany in 2006 and Qatar in 2022.
Popovic made six changes following the 2-0 defeat to the United States, handing starts to Cristian Volpato, Connor Metcalfe and Nestory Irankunda after their bright second-half displays against the Americans.
Experienced duo Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich also returned to the starting side, while teenage defender Lucas Herrington was handed his World Cup debut.
The Socceroos celebrated after securing a tense 0-0 draw with Paraguay to book their place in the World Cup knockout stages
Paraguay threw everything forward late but Australia’s defence stood firm to deny their South American opponents a breakthrough
Tony Popovic’s bold selection gamble paid off as Australia advanced beyond the group stage for only the third time
Herrington showed exactly why European heavyweights including Barcelona and Liverpool have reportedly been tracking his progress, calmly dictating Australia’s build-up play from defence and completing 95 per cent of his first-half passes.
The Socceroos enjoyed the better of possession throughout the opening half as Paraguay retreated into a defensive shell, but clear-cut chances remained difficult to create.
Irvine forced an early save before later heading over from close range, while Volpato repeatedly threatened cutting in from the right.
Jordan Bos, switched onto the right flank, emerged as Australia’s most dangerous attacking outlet.
The Feyenoord defender regularly drove at Paraguay’s defence and almost produced the breakthrough with a dazzling run late in the contest before curling narrowly wide of the far post.
Australia’s best attacking football came through Bos and Volpato, although Paraguay’s back five largely succeeded in keeping Irankunda quiet in an unfamiliar central striking role.
The game became increasingly tense after the break.
Irvine collected Australia’s only yellow card after a late challenge on Julio Enciso, while Paraguay gradually pushed more players forward as the clock ticked down.
Harry Kewell praised the Socceroos’ young squad after another disciplined performance
The Socceroos now turn their attention to Dallas as they prepare for the biggest match of their World Cup campaign
Australian fans soaked up the celebrations after witnessing another historic chapter in the Socceroos’ World Cup journey
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The biggest moment arrived deep into stoppage time.
Paraguay finally carved open the Australian defence, but goalkeeper Patrick Beach reacted brilliantly to deny Maurício and preserve the clean sheet that sent Australia through.
Moments later, the final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among the players and thousands of travelling supporters.
Popovic said the achievement reflected the work of the entire squad.
‘Just unbelievable,’ he said.
‘Just so proud of everyone involved.
‘Now we go to Dallas and we try to do something special.’
The coach admitted Paraguay’s late chance briefly tested his nerves.
A capacity crowd of 7000 crammed into Federation Square in Melbourne to watch the match
‘[That] was the first time I really looked at the clock and said, ‘blow the whistle’.
‘But we deserved it.’
Popovic also welcomed the eight-day break before the Round of 32.
‘It’s important for us, the eight days gives us a chance to recover properly … and be ready for the challenge.’
Former Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, working as a television pundit in Britain, praised Australia’s achievement.
‘It’s a great achievement for Australia,’ he said.
‘It was a tough group and to come second is fantastic for them.
‘It’s another World Cup that they’ve got out of the group stage.
‘For a lot of countries like Australia and others at that level, for us to break through we’ve got to get to the knockout stages consistently and win knockout games – that’s the next phase.’
Harry Kewell was equally impressed by Australia’s display.
‘Fantastic result. I think the Socceroos can take a lot of confidence from this game,’ he said.
‘We’re learning each time we’re playing these games and I was impressed, especially with the changes Tony Popovic made.
‘Australia finishing second, it’s a huge achievement and they should enjoy this moment.
‘This young team we’re speaking about, they’re starting to show their true colours and it’s coming through, which is great to see.’
Bos was modest despite producing one of the performances of his international career.
‘I thought it was good from the boys,’ he said.
‘It was a tough game, a bit of a hustle towards the end.
‘Obviously we wanted to win, but we got the draw and we’re through to the next round.
‘I didn’t get the goal but it was a decent performance overall I think.’
