Socceroos secure place in World Cup last 32 after nerve-shredding draw with Paraguay

It was not a match of high distinction, but all the Socceroos needed was a pass against Paraguay, and their 0-0 in San Francisco Bay Area stadium booked a place in the World Cup knock-out rounds for the third time in their history. A much-changed Australia side controlled large parts of the match, but with both teams knowing that a draw would be enough to qualify for the last 32, there were long stretches without impetus. For Australian football, it was far from the best advertisement for the game, even as millions watched on TVs, live sites and in bars, with the match lacking the intensity and jeopardy of the Socceroos’ opening two World Cup matches. But Tony Popovic’s team will not mind, as they secured second place in Group D. Best for the Socceroos were Jordy Bos – playing on the right side of defence – and Lucas Herrington, the young defender on his World Cup debut who was assured for the duration. But in truth the whole team delivered what was a historic achievement on a cool night in Santa Clara to leave 12,000 or more fans in yellow delirious. Lucas Herrington profile The World Cup mission is now back on track. The Socceroos’ struggles against the USA had let slip a golden runway into the knockout stages. The co-hosts finished as group winners and can now reach the quarter-finals with two wins against the likes of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt and South Korea. Yet the second place secured here offers a platform for progression. …