Paraguay 0-0 Australia: Socceroos advance to the Knockout stages after draw with Paraguay | OneFootball

In what is being dubbed ‘The Pact of California,’ Australia and Paraguay shared a vital point. Australia advance to the knockouts, whilst Paraguay must wait.

Both sides played with extreme caution and created very little throughout the match. Australia appeared more likely, with a standout performance from Feyenoord wing-back Jordan Bos.

Paraguay appeared happy to take a point and attempt to go through as one of the best 3rd-place finishers, which they most likely will. They took very few risks and played incredibly organised defensive football.

As it happened

It was a cagey start to the game, which may have been expected as there was so much at stake for both sides. Neither side had any real, clear-cut opportunities despite Australia dominating possession.

Despite Paraguay needing to win to qualify as runners-up of the group, it was Australia who appeared to be pushing for the opener. The Socceroos had a half chance in additional time of the first half when Cristian Volpato threatened on the right-hand side before cutting inside and into the box. However, his left-footed effort forced a decent save from Orlando Gill, keeping the scores level heading into the break.

Paraguay had their first shot on target in the 50th minute when substitute Mauricio took a tame long-range effort. The shot did not cause any trouble and summed up the level of danger each team had created thus far.

Watford’s Nestory Irankunda wasted a good opportunity for Australia 15 minutes into the second half. He had broken the defensive line and was speeding towards goal, but fired wide. There was a slight injury concern for Paraguayan defender Omar Alderete when the Sunderland man appeared to go down clutching his knee before signalling he needed to be substituted. However, he received treatment during the hydration break and was able to continue.

Diego Gomez was booked after 77 minutes for a lunging challenge on Bos after the Australian had rounded him. A silly booking to receive, as Gómez will be suspended for Paraguay’s next game should they progress.

As the game entered the final ten minutes, it was Bos once again who was the danger man. He drove down the right flank before entering the box with pace, but ultimately, he lost control of the ball at the crucial moment. Omar Alderete was eventually substituted in what could be a concerning injury for the Paraguayan defence should they progress.

In the final minute of normal time, Australia’s standout player, Bos, cut in on his left foot again, this time attempting to curl an effort into the far post, which went narrowly wide.

Paraguay had an opportunity to win the game in additional time as space opened up for Mauricio on the edge of the box, but his shot was too close to the Australian keeper, who made a comfortable save in the end. A very cagey game with few opportunities was ended. Australia had the majority of the chances, but neither side truly threatened.

Australia advanced to the knockout rounds, finishing second in the group. Paraguay will have to wait a bit longer to find out if they advance, but it is likely they will also advance.

Australia Analysis: One-Dimensional Wide Play

All of Australia’s attacking work came in the wide areas. They looked particularly threatening down the right flank with the link-up play between Bos and Volpato. The pair were effective at driving their side forward and creating chances when they had the ball in the wide areas.

Volpato and Bos, both being left-footed, allowed them to not only put dangerous out swinging crosses into the box but to cut inside and have a shot themselves. However, for all their possession in the wide areas, it did make the Socceroos one-dimensional. The Paraguayans matched their five at the back and nullified the effectiveness of Australia’s wide men.

Furthermore, Australia were easy to read, making life easier for an already very organised Paraguay defence, and without changing their approach, they were never likely to break down the Paraguay back line.

Australia were disciplined when they had to do their defensive duties. It could have been easy to lose focus, but they stayed concentrated and got the vital point they needed.

If Australia want to go as far as they can in this tournament, they must utilise the fantastic wide play they are capable of. Players like Jordan Bos can offer a real danger going forward and create real opportunities for the Socceroos.

However, they need to adapt to who they play, or they will become far too predictable and easy to play against.

Paraguay Analysis: A Cautious Performance

Paraguay played with extreme caution. They kept their shape throughout the game at all times and allowed Australia to control possession.

Paraguay defended very well and kept Australia’s chances to a minimum. Gustavo Alfaro’s decision to change his side’s formation from their usual four at the back to a five worked effectively.

Paraguay went man for man with Australia and did not allow themselves to be overrun in wide areas. They kept crosses into the box to a minimum and forced the Australians to shoot from distance.

When in possession, they were patient in the build-up and tried to find opportunities without forcing them. However, their failure to commit men forward meant that they never really threatened.

It was clear Paraguay wanted to keep the game tight. They assumed a point would be enough to qualify as one of the best 3rd place finishing teams. If they got anything more from the game than that was a bonus.

If Paraguay do progress, they will likely play a strong group winner. They will have to remain organised and pull off a smash-and-grab result.

Paraguay can be effective at this, as shown in this game and when they beat Turkey 1-0 despite only having 22% of possession and two shots on target.

However, we have also seen how it can go wrong, such as when they lost their opening game 4-1 against the USA. The host nation scored after seven minutes, and as Paraguay came out to chase the game, the USA played straight through them.

Alfaro’s men will have to stay disciplined if they advance and are to cause an upset in the RO32.

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