Socceroos do enough to finish second

Paraguay 0-0 Australia

SANTA CLARA, CA–Australia needed at least a draw against Paraguay to finish second in the group and face the runners-up coming out of Group G next Friday. A draw for Paraguay would most likely mean passage to the Round of the 32 as one of the eight best third place teams. Both teams got that draw as it ended 0-0. It is the first time that Australia have reached the knockout stage in consecutive World Cups.

This match wasn’t the most entertaining of the sixty that we have seen so far, but it didn’t have to be for either side as the fate of the other two teams in the group were sealed last Friday. Australia were the more likely to score getting five shots on target to the Albiroja’s two. Jackson Irvine came closest in the first half and Jordan Bos forced a couple of saves by Orlando Gill in the second half. Paraguay’s only two shots on target came from substitute Mauricio, though neither troubled Patrick Beach all that much.

Paraguay is all but into the Round of 32 and it will likely be made official this Friday as they are on four points. It is also considered job done by Australia on four points and a zero goal difference.

“I’m proud of the boys and what our coach is doing is truly outstanding,” said Australia midfielder Ajdin Hrustic. ” I think we had two or three chances in and around the box where maybe we could have scored. But you always have to look at the positives. We’ll prepare as well as we can again. First of all, we’re going to enjoy today because we’ve achieved something special again, for ourselves, for our country and for everyone back home.”

Australia now have a full week to prepare for their opponent which will be the runners-up from Group G–which will be determined this Friday–in Dallas (1pm CT, Fox/Telemundo). At the time of this post, Paraguay are projected to face Germany on Monday in Boston, though they could also end up facing the winner of Group I or Group K.