The Socceroos have reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 for the third time in the country's history, advancing from Group D as runners-up after a goalless draw with Paraguay at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on June 25.
Australia finished the group stage with four points: a 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver on June 13, a 2-0 loss to the United States in Seattle on June 19, and the controlled draw with Paraguay.
The win over Turkey was the tournament's best moment for the Socceroos. Nestory Irankunda, 19, cut inside brilliantly in the 27th minute before rifling a right-foot shot into the net. Connor Metcalfe surged from midfield to add a stunning left-foot finish in the 75th. Goalkeeper Patrick Beach made eight saves on his senior national team debut.
Against Paraguay in the decisive group match, Tony Popovic made six changes to his starting lineup. Australia had the better of the chances: Jackson Irvine had a shot saved by goalkeeper Orlando Gill, and Jordan Bos went close in the 89th minute. Paraguay's Enciso squandered a clear chance at the other end in the 82nd.
Australia had 12 shots compared to Paraguay's seven, five on target to their two. The result was enough.
Coach Popovic rejected suggestions the team had played for a draw. 'You can have opinions on how the game was played, but we at no stage felt that we were playing for a draw,' he said. 'I thought we controlled the game quite well and had the better opportunities.'
Australia will face the runner-up from Group G in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas. It is the Socceroos' third knockout appearance, following the Round of 16 at Germany 2006 and Qatar 2022.
