The Socceroos will believe they can “do something special” and claim their first World Cup knockout win after securing a tense scoreless draw against Paraguay in their final group match. The result was enough to finish second in Group D, sending Australia to Dallas for a round of 32 clash against a Group G runner-up — either Belgium, Egypt, Iran or New Zealand — on July 1.
Group Stage Success
Australia finished on four points, behind the United States (six) and ahead of Paraguay (four) on goal difference, with Turkey (three) eliminated. By finishing second rather than third, the Socceroos avoided a daunting match-up with heavyweights Germany or France. Coach Tony Popovic expressed immense pride: “Just unbelievable, unbelievable. Just so proud of everyone involved — the staff, the players, just a wonderful young group of men,” he told SBS. “Now we go to Dallas and we’ll try and do something special.”
Defensive Resilience
Australia dominated possession but could not breach a tenacious Paraguay defence. However, the clean sheet was enough to secure back-to-back World Cup knockout appearances for the first time in the nation’s history. “It’s a special day,” Popovic said in his press conference. “We’ve seen already how many big nations have not gone through — it’s the World Cup, it’s difficult. You play different styles from different countries. We’ve done it now twice consecutively. So a wonderful achievement in Qatar. We’ve backed it up again, and we have a chance to go further in and maybe do something even more special.”
Bold Selection Calls
Popovic was rewarded for his bold selection decisions, which included starting Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato, and making six changes to the line-up that lost 2-0 to the United States. The coach called upon Connor Metcalfe, Lucas Herrington, Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich, but declined to elaborate on his reasoning. Jordan Bos was particularly impressive, replacing Jacob Italiano at right wing-back. “It’s the best game he’s played of the three by far,” Popovic said of Bos.
Key Performances
In his first start of the tournament, Jackson Irvine was imperious in midfield alongside Aiden O’Neill, who was named man of the match. “It’s huge. I think coming into the World Cup, not many people gave us a chance to come second in the group and that’s the belief that we have in our squad,” O’Neill said. Popovic added: “It was nice to see Jackson today because that’s the Jackson that I remember.” Eighteen-year-old Lucas Herrington, Australia’s youngest ever World Cup starter on his tournament debut, was unflappable in defence, with Popovic labelling him “outstanding”.
Attacking Threat
Volpato was exciting, linking up with Bos on the right, breaking into pockets of space and troubling Paraguay’s defence. Irankunda, who replaced Mohamed Toure, worked hard as a back-to-goal striker and caused moments of chaos. Bos made terrific runs into the box in the 83rd and 90th minutes, but fired one straight at the South Americans’ goalkeeper and the other wide. Paraguay’s Mauricio forced a save from goalkeeper Beach in added time, causing Popovic to stress: “The one at the end was the first time that I really looked at the clock and thought, ‘Please, blow the whistle’. But I think overall we deserved it. We were very good today. Just a wonderful performance.”
Looking Ahead
Popovic also highlighted the importance of earning an extra day’s rest before their next game. “It’s important for us. These boys are building. They’re trying to get fitter and stronger and the eight days gives us a chance to recover properly, get them all healthy, strong, available and ready for the next challenge,” he said. Friday’s matches between New Zealand (one point) and Belgium (two), plus Egypt (four) and Iran (two) will determine Australia’s opponents. Tete Yengi was denied a chance to be Australia’s hero at the death, but it didn’t matter as Socceroos fans around the globe rejoiced.
