Match Report
The Socceroos have advanced to the Round of 32 as second-place finishers in Group D after a scoreless draw with Paraguay in the final group stage game.
It is a significant moment in Australian football, as the Socceroos make it out of their group for only the third time in their history.
Despite both teams having lively moments, neither were able to find the breakthrough that would have been decisive.
Head Coach Tony Popovic made six changes from the side that were defeated by the United States last time out. Cristian Volpato earned his first start in a Socceroos shirt after a promising cameo in game two, while Lucas Herrington started for his first World Cup appearance.
The other changes were Jackson Irvine coming into midfield for Paul Okon-Engstler, Aziz Behich replacing the injured Jacob Italiano, Connor Metcalfe coming in for the injured Mathew Leckie, and Nestory Irankunda starting ahead of Nishan Velupillay.
Australia were on the front foot early. Cristian Volpato and Jordy Bos in particular were creative down the right-hand side and were able to fashion a number of chances throughout the first 45 minutes.
The first chance came through Jackson Irvine, who was on the end of a Volpato cutback in the fourth minute, the first of three shots on target in the first half.
Bos had a chance saved in the 36th minute, before a cross from the wingback found Jackson Irvine’s head in the penalty area in first-half stoppage time. The experienced midfielder was not able to find the balance required to hit the target.
