Australia Through To Last 32 As Paraguay Edge Closer To Qualification After Goalless Stalemate
Australia book their place in World Cup last 32, while Paraguay move closer to knockout qualification with goalless draw.
Australia book their place in World Cup last 32, while Paraguay move closer to knockout qualification with goalless draw.
Australia secured qualification for the last 32 of the World Cup after playing out a drab goalless draw with Paraguay in San Francisco, a result that suited both sides.
The Socceroos only needed a point to finish as Group D runners-up, while Paraguay knew a fourth point from the group stage would almost certainly be enough to secure a place among the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
The cautious affair is unlikely to help arguments in favour of allowing third-placed teams to progress, with both sides showing little appetite for risk throughout the contest.
Australia will now face the runners-up from the group containing Egypt, Iran and Belgium on Friday, 3 July, while Paraguay, as things stand, are set for a last 32 meeting with Germany on Monday.
Australia started brightly and were the more positive side in a first half largely devoid of quality chances. Paraguay offered little attacking threat, managing only one harmless effort off target while operating with a back five in the absence of Miguel Almiron, who was suspended following his red card against Turkey.
Jackson Irvine tested goalkeeper Orlando Gill inside four minutes with an angled effort that was tipped over the bar, while Gill was again called into action to push away a curling strike from Cristian Volpato before the break.
Paraguay showed greater attacking intent after the restart following a switch to a back four. Half-time substitute Mauricio forced Patrick Beach into a save within five minutes of entering the game, while Julio Enciso emerged as the South Americans’ main attacking outlet.
Former Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez received a booking that rules him out of Paraguay’s first knockout match, while Sunderland defender Omar Alderete was forced off after suffering a knock to his left knee.
Australia nearly snatched victory in the closing moments when Jordan Bos went close, while Mauricio squandered Paraguay’s best opportunity deep into stoppage time after his low effort from the edge of the area was comfortably gathered by Beach.
In the group’s other match, already eliminated Turkey defeated group winners the US.
