Australia’s Socceroos draw against Paraguay to head into Round 2
The Socceroos have secured a place in the World Cup knockout stages after thrilling Australian fans, finishing the opening round with the 0-0 draw against Paraguay that they needed to advance
READING LEVEL: GREEN
The Socceroos are through to the knockout stages of the World Cup, after fighting out a dogged draw with Paraguay on Friday (AEST) in San Francisco.
The 0-0 draw was far from thrilling, but it was the result that mattered above all else as Tony Popovic’s team secured second spot in Group D.
While the Australia-Paraguay game never got out of first gear, the United States and Turkiye fought out a five goal thriller.
Also in California, Turkiye scored in stoppage time to win 3-2. The result didn’t matter because Turkiye was already certain to finish last and the USA was already certain to top the group.
Paraguay, finishing the stage with four points, is now highly likely to go through to the Round of 32 as one of the best eight third-ranked teams.
The Socceroos, meanwhile, will now face the runner up of Group G, expected to be Belgium or Iran.
It is a potential uphill battle for the Socceroos, with No. 9 ranked Belgium likely to be followed by Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Round of 16 — should Australia progress that far.
A defeat to Paraguay would have left Australia on the precipice of missing out altogether.
Earlier, Ecuador caused a big upset to defeat Germany, while Japan and Sweden shared the points in a result that ensured Sweden will progress as the top ranked team on the third-place live ladder.
Socceroos boss Tony Popovic has praised his side following their draw with Paraguay.
“At the end was the first time I really looked at the clock but I thought please blow the whistle,” Popovic said.
“I think overall we deserved it. We were very good today, wonderful performance.
“These boys are building, they are trying to get fitter and stronger in the eight days gives us a chance to recover properly. Get them more healthy, strong, available and ready for the next challenge.”
When asked for a message to send the Aussie fans, Popovic joked: “Get up early, please.”
“Thanks for the support,” he said. “I’ve heard a few things before the game and I saw all of the signs (from) home. Trust me, it is greatly appreciated by all of the boys and staff and we cannot thank you enough.”
The Socceroos’ next game will in Dallas, Texas, be on Saturday 4 July at 4am AEST.
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