Australia Reach World Cup Knockout Stage After Holding Paraguay

Australia booked their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after battling to a goalless draw against Paraguay in their final Group D match at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

The Socceroos produced a disciplined defensive display to secure the point they needed and finish second in the group behind the United States.

Having opened their campaign with victory over Turkey before suffering defeat to the USA, Australia ensured progression with a composed performance in which Paraguay rarely threatened.

The result marks only the third time Australia have advanced beyond the group stage in seven FIFA World Cup appearances.

Paraguay also remain firmly in contention for the knockout rounds after finishing third, with their tally expected to be enough to qualify as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.

Meanwhile, the United States had already sealed first place in Group D despite their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Turkey in Los Angeles.

Australia will now turn their attention to the knockout phase as they look to equal or surpass their best-ever World Cup run.