Australia secured a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 after playing out a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Paraguay on Thursday. The result guaranteed the Socceroos a place in the knockout stage, while Paraguay must now wait for other results to learn whether they will also advance.

The physical Group D contest at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium produced few clear chances. Australia controlled much of the first half, but Paraguay improved after the break. Neither side managed to find the breakthrough.

Australia Finish Second in Group D

The draw helped Australia finish second in Group D behind co-hosts the United States. The Socceroos reached the World Cup knockout stage for the third time. They last advanced to the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Coach Tony Popovic's side will now face the second-placed team from Group G. That group remains wide open ahead of Friday's matches between Egypt and Iran, and Belgium and New Zealand.

Paraguay finished with four points. The South American side still has a chance to qualify as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams. However, it must wait for the remaining group-stage matches to confirm its fate.

Popovic Makes Bold Changes

Tony Popovic made six changes to Australia's starting lineup. He recalled attacking midfielder Nestory Irankunda and included Cristian Volpato in the forward line to give his side more attacking threat.

Jordan Bos switched from left-back to right-back to replace the injured Jacob Italiano. Australia used the right flank effectively but failed to convert their chances.

Only a few minutes after kickoff, Volpato set up Jackson Irvine inside the penalty area. Irvine struck a powerful shot, but Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill made a comfortable save. Later in the first half, Bos and Volpato also tested Gill, but neither effort seriously troubled the Paraguayan goalkeeper.

Paraguay Improve After the Break

Australia restricted Paraguay to just one shot during the opening half. At halftime, Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro introduced Mauricio to add more attacking quality. The Brazilian-born forward tried his luck from long range early in the second half but failed to trouble Australia's defence.

Paraguay gradually gained momentum as Julio Enciso became more influential. The talented attacker repeatedly broke through Australia's defensive line and created several dangerous moments.

Eight minutes before full-time, Enciso missed Paraguay's best chance. He fired a low shot wide of the left post after finding space inside the penalty area.

Late Chances Fail to Break Deadlock

Both teams pushed for a winner during the closing stages. In the 89th minute, Jordan Bos produced Australia's best opportunity. He dribbled past two defenders, entered the penalty area and fired a shot just wide of the far post.

Moments later, Mauricio found space on the edge of the Australian box and tested goalkeeper Beach with a low effort. However, the Australian goalkeeper made a comfortable save.

Australia successfully protected the draw and secured a place in the knockout rounds. Although the Socceroos lacked attacking sharpness, they earned the point they needed to continue their FIFA World Cup campaign.