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.
Paraguay were restricted to only one shot – off target – as the teams went into the sheds at half-time without a goal.
The South Americans came out of the break with renewed intensity and focus. They found their first shot on target and were the team with the momentum, with youngster Julio Enciso at the centre of their creative threats.
Popovic activated the bench for the first time in the 58th minute. Ajdin Hrustic was introduced, replacing the impressive Cristian Volpato.
Jordy Bos almost created something from nothing as time ticked down. Using his pace and power he skipped past several defenders to find space inside the penalty area from the right-hand side. His shot was not able to really challenge the goalkeeper.
Two more changes followed, with Tete Yengi replacing Irankunda up top and Paul Okon-Engstler coming on for Irvine in midfield.
Knowing that a draw would likely be enough for both teams to progress, the tempo slowed in the final stages of the match. Bos was still lively, however, coming as close as anyone with a left-footed strike that fizzed past the post in the final minute of regulation time.
Both teams had a look at finding the winner in stoppage time. For Paraguay, space opened for Mauricio on the edge of the penalty area, forcing a sharp save from Beach. Tete Yengi had a first-time strike at the other end of the pitch that he was not able to convert.
Ultimately, the draw was enough for Australia to finish second in the group and for Paraguay to likely advance as one of eight best third-place finishers. They will next play the runner up of Group G in Arlington, Texas.
Match Summary
Paraguay: 0
Australia: 0
Australia: 18. Patrick Beach (GK), 3. Alessandro Circati, 5. Jordan Bos, 8. Connor Metcalfe, 13. Aiden O’Neill, 16. Aziz Behich, 17. Nestory Irankunda (26. Tete Yengi 84’), 19. Harry Souttar (c), 20. Cristian Volpato 22. Jackson Irvine (24. Paul Okon-Engstler 84’), 25. Lucas Herrington
Unused substitutes: 1. Maty Ryan (GK), 12. Paul Izzo (GK), 2. Milos Degenek, 6. Jason Geria, 9. Mohamed Toure 10. Ajdin Hrustic, 11. Awer Mabil, 14. Cameron Devlin, 15. Kai Trewin, 21. Cameron Burgess, 23. Nishan Velupillay,
Unavailable: 4. Jacob Italiano, 7. Mathew Leckie
Yellow cards: 22. Jackson Irvine 46'
Paraguay: 12. Orlando Gill (GK), 2. Gustavo Velazquez, 3. Omar Alderete (13. Jose Canale 84'), 4. Juan Caceres, 8. Diego Gomez (16. Damian Bobadilla 90+2'), 14. Andres Cubas, 15. Gustavo Gomez, 19. Julio Enciso, 21. Gabriel Avalos (18. Alex Arce 67’), 23. Matias Galarza (6. Junior Alonso 90+2'), 26. Alexandro Maidana (11. Mauricio 45’)
Unused substitutes: 1. Roberto Fernandez (GK), 22. Gaston Olveira (GK), 5. Fabian Balbuena, 7. Ramon Sosa, 9. Antonio Sanabria, 17. Alejandro Romero, 20. Braian Ojeda, 24. Gustavo Caballero, 25. Isidro Pitta
Unavailable: Miguel Almiron
Yellow cards: 8. Diego Gomez 77'
NEXT MATCH DETAILS (ROUND OF 32)
Australia v Runner-up Group G
Date: Friday, 3 July
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Texas, USA
Kick-off: 1:00pm local / 4:00am AEST (Saturday, 4 July)
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand