Australia’s draw with Paraguay confirmed both teams’ qualification for the last 32, completing a dramatic final matchday in Group D.
Neither team was willing to push the pace for large stages of the match in Santa Clara, knowing that a loss might prevent them from advancing.
Only seven shots were placed on target the entire match: five by Australia and two by Paraguay. Overall, the Socceroos had a 12-7 advantage in shots.
Orlando Gil made five saves for Paraguay and Australia counterpart Patrick Beach had two stops. Jordan Bos had two opportunities for the Aussies late in the match.
In the 83rd minute, he got caught up in traffic and could only get off a left footed roller that was easily stopped by Gil. Six minutes later, Bos delivered a booming left-footer from the right side that was just wide of the far post.
Mauricio had a chance for Paraguay in the third minute of second-half stoppage but his tame left-footed attempt was easily grabbed by Beach. Paraguay’s other shot on goal came in the 50th minute when Mauricio, who entered at halftime, took a long right-footed shot that was stopped by Beach. sAustralia placed three shots on goal in the scoreless first half.
Bos took a long left-footed shot from beyond the box in the 36th minute that was stopped by Gil.
The Socceroos turned up the heat in first-half stoppage time. Cristian Volpato’s left-footed blast was stopped by Gil in the second minute andJackson Irvine sent a header high over the net in the third of stoppage time.
Irvine earlier had a shot on goal in the fourth minute of the match and Gil deflected it over the crossbar.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and Reuters)
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