Australia’s Socceroos draw against Paraguay to head into knockout
The Socceroos will meet Egypt in the World Cup knockout stages, dodging Belgium and thrilling Australian fans after the carefully played 0-0 draw against Paraguay both sides needed to advance
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The Socceroos will meet Egypt at their next game in the knockout stages of the World Cup, after fighting out a dogged* draw with Paraguay on Friday (AEST) in San Francisco.
Confirmation came after a dramatic day of World Cup action on Saturday AEST. The Socceroos had to wait for the results of Group G matches between New Zealand and Belgium, and Egypt and Iran.
The likely outcome was a clash with Belgium — who would have been overwhelming favourites against Tony Popovic’s young Aussie side.
But Belgium’s 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand was a small win for us, with Belgium climbing to top spot.
Iran meanwhile thought they had scored a goal that was ultimately ruled out in an incredibly tight off-side as Egypt claimed a 1-1 draw. Based on points, Egypt is now poised to face the Socceroos as runners-up at 4am next Saturday morning (AEST).
Elsewhere on Saturday at the World Cup, the day began with a goal scoring frenzy in Group I, as France sent a statement with a 4-1 thrashing of Norway after both teams entered the contest already certain to progress.
It turned ugly in the group’s other game with Senegal putting Iraq to the sword with a second half barrage*.
Senegal started the day at long odds to progress to the knockout stages, but they have rocketed up the third-place live ladder on the back of a 5-0 victory in Toronto.
It was a very different story in Group H, as Cape Verde produced one of the greatest fairytales in recent memory.
Fans were seen crying in the grandstand as the nation of 500,000 people celebrated progressing to the knockout stages with a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia.
Spain were too classy against a lifeless Uruguay in the group’s other game with the European nation securing top spot.
TEPID* BUT TENACIOUS* DRAW WITH PARAGUAY
The 0-0 draw was far from thrilling for fans watching from Australia at lunchtime Friday, 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.
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 be in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday 4 July at 4am AEST.
POLL
GLOSSARY
- dogged: very determined to continue doing something, or trying to do something, even when it is difficult or takes a long time
- barrage: a heavy and continuous attack during some kind of battle
- precipice: a very steep side of a cliff, a dangerous situation that could lead to harm a dangerous situation that could lead to disaster
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QUICK QUIZ
- What was the final score between Australia and Paraguay?
- Who will Australia now play in the knockout stage?
- New Zealand was not so lucky – which country sent them home and by what margin?
- Which tiny country advanced to round 2 after a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia?
- What was Australian coach Tony Popovic’s message for Australian fans watching from home?
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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
News: condensed
Identify the most important pieces of information in this article and write a condensed version of it using 50 words or less. Draw a picture or diagram to support your condensed news story.
Time: allow 25 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science
2. Extension
Compare your condensed news story with a classmate. Did you both include the same information or are your stories quite different? Discuss your choices and then work together to create a final condensed version of the story that you both agree tells the important parts that a reader would need or want to know.
Time: allow 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English
VCOP ACTIVITY
Olympic poem
Imagine you are a soccer player about to compete, or who has just competed in a World Cup event. Write a description of the scenes as a poem to explain your experience.
You can either start each line the same: I see, I feel, I touch, I taste, I smell, I am.
Or, you can use “show don’t tell” to describe each of the senses.