Job done. The Socceroos are through to the knockout phase of the World Cup.
Friday’s 0-0 draw against Paraguay was enough to secure qualification, with the Socceroos pushing through to the tournament’s knockout rounds for just the third time in their history.
While they couldn’t score to break the deadlock, the more fluent, attacking Socceroos controlled most of the contest, which will surely boost their confidence after a drab second game against the United States.
After finishing second in Group D, the Socceroos now have to wait to find out who they take on next: it will be the second-placed finisher from Group G in Dallas, Texas, on July 4. Group G includes Egypt, Iran, New Zealand and Belgium.
Tomorrow, Egypt (currently first on four points) and Iran (second, on two points) battle, while New Zealand (last on one point) lock horns with Belgium (third, on two).
More selection shocks
With plenty at stake, coach Tony Popovic again reshuffled his starting XI, making six changes. While most pundits had urged the inclusion of Nestory Irankunda, Cristian Volpato and Connor Metcalfe, the trio accounted for half the alterations, with Popovic opting for a bold attacking approach.
The hope was one of them could provide the spark or moment of magic to unlock the match.
Jackson Irvine’s selection in midfield was also expected. The backline brought two surprise changes, with Aziz Behich at left wing-back and 18-year-old Lucas Herrington in central defence.
As before, Popovic rolled the dice. The first time, against Turkey, it paid off; the second, against the United States, it did not.
The omens for Popovic were good: he had scored in his last game as a Socceroos player against Paraguay. Before kick-off, he sounded confident, insisting Australia “were not going for a draw” and that “it’s about winning the game”.
Jason Henry/AAP
The first half
The Socceroos made a bright start, with Irvine failing to convert a gilt-edged chance inside the box in the third minute. The right flank was a constant threat, with Voss and Volpato lively throughout the first half.
Both left-footed and stationed on the right, they repeatedly cut inside the defence.
Australia won three corners, though Volpato’s delivery lacked precision. Paraguay were content to sit deep, offering little going forward, although Julio Enciso remained a dangerous outlet.
At the break, Australia were on top with 65% possession and six shots to one.
Things heat up in the second
The second half started off much the same and the Paraguayan coach brought on Mauricio, signalling perhaps a more attacking approach. Within five minutes Mauricio had a great shot saved by Patrick Beach.
From then the match came alive and Paraguay took the ascendancy. Popovic reacted by taking Vopato off and bringing on Aiden Hrustic to try and steady the ship. Hrustic had a great shot in the 60th minute.
Paraguay took control of the match after the hydration break. Chasing the win, they began to dominate possession and every time Enciso touched the ball the Socceroos looked under pressure.
In the 83rd minute, Popovic introduced fresh legs, bringing on Paul Okon-Engstler and Teti Yengi.
Ultimately, however, the Socceroos held firm. Their defensive block remained strong, disciplined and well organised. Jordan Bos late in the game perhaps had the best chance.
Strong coaching, and more to come
With a draw enough to secure qualification, they did not need to chase the match. The game management was wonderful: Popovic’s controversial selection didn’t pay off against the US but it worked against Turkey and Paraguay.
This match did not match the quality or entertainment of many previous World Cup games.
However, the tension in living rooms, pubs, clubs, and among those fortunate enough to be inside the stadium was just as immense. This was a gripping chess match, albeit one that ended in stalemate, and the significance of this draw will be comparable to matches such as Australia’s World Cup qualifying playoff against Uruguay in 2005.
Australia was better in the first half, while Paraguay were stronger in the second. Throw your third-place calculators in the bin: Australia finished second in the group and face their next challenge with confidence.
Popovic and the Socceroos of 2026 have etched their names into the pantheon of Australian soccer history. The Socceroos have replicated what the “Golden Generation” of 2006 did: a win and a draw and four group-stage points.
