Australia finished second in Group D after a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in San Francisco, and the table tells you most of the story. Both teams ended on three points, but Australia’s 0 goal difference was enough to edge Paraguay’s -2. It was a match built on structure more than chance creation, and Australia’s control looked a little more convincing even without a goal.

The result at Levi's Stadium also leaves Paraguay well placed to go through as a third-placed side, even if that part still needs careful wording. Gustavo Gómez believes the point has done the job. The standings say Paraguay are in a strong position, not that the draw alone guaranteed it.

Australia's shape carried more weight than its attack

The Paraguay vs Australia game never really opened up. Australia started in a 0-0-3 and that shape suited the night. It kept the team compact, gave them enough width, and helped them manage the game without leaving much space behind.

That control was clearer in the first half, when Paraguay struggled to get settled. Gómez told skysports.com: "It was an even, physical match. We struggled in the first half. I think we couldn't find our footing." That matched the flow of the game, with Australia seeing more of the ball and getting to the better early moments.

Jackson Irvine forced a strong stop from Orlando Gill in the fourth minute, and Jordan Bos hit the target from distance in the 36th. Australia were not especially sharp in the final action, but they looked the more coherent side for long spells.

Patrick Beach finished with the highest Australia rating at 7.14 and two saves, which fits the broader picture. He was not overworked, but he was reliable when required, especially once Paraguay improved after the break. In a game this flat, clean handling and the right positioning matter a lot.

Cristian Volpato also featured in a side that looked more comfortable protecting its standing than chasing the game recklessly. That was the sensible read from Australia. A draw was enough, and the team played like it understood the table.

Paraguay's point came with less certainty than Gómez suggested

Paraguay’s captain gave the clearest summary of his side’s priorities. "We made adjustments at half-time, and the second half was better," Gómez said. "The important thing is that we earned a point, and I think with this result we've qualified, which was our primary objective."

The first part is fair enough. Paraguay did improve after the interval and did not even have a shot until the second half after switching to a back three to match up with Australia. Mauricio almost stole it in stoppage time, but his snap shot was straight at Patrick Beach.

The qualification line needs more caution. Paraguay finished third in Group D, and they are fourth in the third-place standings with eight of the 12 third-place finishers going through. That leaves them well placed, and likely to advance, but not through on a mathematical certainty from this match alone.

That does not make Gómez wrong to focus on the point. Paraguay played for something practical and got it. In a tournament group game, there is no need to apologise for that.

The standings and the next date

Australia and Paraguay both ended Group D on three points each, with Australia second on goal difference and Paraguay third on goal difference. For Australia, that means a confirmed place in the knockout round. Their next game is on Friday July 3 at 7pm in Arlington, USA.

Paraguay leave San Francisco with a clean sheet and a decent chance of staying in the tournament, but Australia were the side whose night became official when the table was settled.

FAQ

Did Australia qualify from Group D after drawing with Paraguay?

Yes. Australia drew 0-0 with Paraguay in San Francisco and finished second in Group D on goal difference. Australia and Paraguay both ended the group on three points, but Australia’s 0 goal difference was better than Paraguay’s -2, which sent the Socceroos through automatically.

Have Paraguay qualified for the World Cup last 32 after the draw with Australia?

Not officially on the result alone. Paraguay finished third in Group D and are well placed to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Gustavo Gómez said he believes the point means they have qualified, but the standings position leaves them dependent on the wider third-place table rather than a guaranteed spot from this match alone.

Why was Australia vs Paraguay such a low-scoring game?

It was a structured game with limited incision rather than an open contest. Australia lined up in a 3-4-3 and stayed compact, while Paraguay did not manage a shot until the second half after changing shape at half-time. The best early openings were an Irvine effort in the fourth minute and a Jordan Bos shot from distance in the 36th.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →