Loading…
In a match billed as a winner-take-all encounter, Australia and Paraguay played out a 0-0 draw that saw Australia secure second place in Group D and advance to the knockout rounds for only the third time in seven World Cup appearances Source: Al Jazeera. Paraguay, meanwhile, are well-placed to progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams in the expanded 48-team tournament Source: CNA.
The game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara was a far cry from the high-scoring drama of this World Cup. With 19 attempts on goal but few testing the goalkeepers, the match was interrupted by tough tackles and frequent whistles. The sellout crowd turned to Mexican waves for entertainment Source: CNA. It took Paraguay 53 minutes to win their only corner of the game.
Both coaches rejected suggestions they settled for a draw. Australia's Tony Popovic said, "We tried to win the game and in the end, draws were enough for both nations" Source: CNA. Paraguay's Gustavo Alfaro added, "We didn't come here for a draw. We wanted to win — they wanted to win" Source: CNA. The United States had already secured top spot despite a 3-2 loss to Turkey, who were eliminated Source: Al Jazeera.
“The point was celebrated as a win by the Australians, who sealed second spot and a place in the knockout phase for the third time.”
“It marks only the third time that Australia have advanced beyond the group stage in seven appearances at the World Cup.”
“The sellout crowd at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium had been in high spirits but soon turned to Mexican waves for enjoyment with the flat game interrupted constantly by tough tackles and the referee's whistle.”
“Both coaches chafed at suggestions from media they might have both settled for the draw.”