Australia secured a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a goalless draw with Paraguay on Thursday, a result that also left the South Americans in a strong position to progress.
Both sides entered their final Group D fixture on three points following victories over Türkiye, knowing that avoiding defeat would significantly boost their chances of reaching the next round.
The expanded 48-team tournament, which allows eight of the 12 third-placed teams to advance, contributed to a cautious contest with little attacking urgency from either side.
The stalemate guaranteed Australia second place behind the United States, thanks to the Socceroos’ superior goal difference over Paraguay.
The result lifted Paraguay to four points, a tally that is expected to be enough to secure one of the best third-place spots, although they must wait for the remaining group matches to confirm their qualification.
Australia have now reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the third time, having previously advanced in 2006 and 2022 before exiting in the round of 16 on both occasions.
Tony Popovic’s side will face the runners-up from Group G in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.
Paraguay, meanwhile, remain hopeful of reaching the knockout phase for a fifth time in their history.
Australia created the clearer opportunities before the break, with Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill producing an early save to deny Jackson Irvine before keeping out Cristian Volpato’s effort in first-half stoppage time.
The pattern of play changed little after the interval. Paraguay enjoyed more possession but struggled to threaten, while Australia also found chances hard to come by.
Jordan Bos came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 90th minute, but his attempt drifted wide of the target.
At the other end, Australian goalkeeper Patrick Beach comfortably dealt with a low stoppage-time effort from Maurício as both teams settled for a point.
Popovic made six changes to his starting lineup, handing 18-year-old Lucas Herrington his World Cup debut.
The Colorado Rapids defender became the youngest Australian ever to feature in a World Cup match.
Paraguay suffered a setback late in the tournament as midfielder Diego Gómez picked up his second yellow card of the group stage, meaning he will be suspended for the round of 32 should his side qualify.
