Australia reach World Cup last 32 as 0-0 draw leaves Paraguay sweating on third-place fate

Australia advanced to the FIFA World Cup round of 32 with a 0-0 draw against Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Thursday, finishing second in Group D behind co-hosts the United States. The result sends Tony Popovic’s Socceroos into the knockout phase for the third time in their history, four years after reaching the last 16 in Qatar.

Paraguay, who finish third in the group on four points, face an anxious wait to discover whether they will join Australia in the next round as one of the eight best-finishing third-placed sides. The 2010 quarter-finalists will need results elsewhere to go their way across the remaining final group matches.

Popovic made six changes to his starting line-up, recalling livewire forward Nestory Irankunda and introducing Cristian Volpato in a clear signal of attacking intent. Jordan Bos shifted from left back to right to cover for the injured Jacob Italiano, and Australia made promising inroads down that flank without ever converting their pressure into a goal.

Volpato created the clearest early chance, teeing up Jackson Irvine on the edge of the penalty area, only for the midfielder to thump his angled effort straight at Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill. Bos and Volpato each drew further saves from Gill before half-time without genuinely troubling him.

Paraguay had managed just one shot in the opening 45 minutes, but coach Gustavo Alfaro introduced Brazilian-born attacker Mauricio at the break and the game opened up. The lively Julio Enciso repeatedly cut through Australia’s defence in the second half, though he wasted one of the better opportunities when a low shot flashed well wide of the left post with eight minutes remaining.

Bos came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 89th minute, splitting two defenders and driving into the box from the right before sending his shot fizzing past the far post. Mauricio gave goalkeeper Joe Beach a late examination with a low effort from the edge of the area, but it was comfortably dealt with as Australia held on.

The Socceroos will face the second-placed team from Group G in the round of 32. That group remains wide open ahead of Friday’s fixtures, with Egypt taking on Iran and Belgium meeting New Zealand.