Socceroos Face Crucial World Cup Match Against Paraguay
The Socceroos' World Cup Fate
The Socceroos are on the brink of a landmark achievement, a place in the World Cup knockout rounds for only the third time.
The Challenge Ahead
“It’s a wonderful challenge, it’s what we’re here for,” said coach Tony Popovic on the eve of the match in Santa Clara, on the south-eastern edge of the San Francisco Bay Area. “We know it’s in our hands, and we know what a win does for us tomorrow.”
The Stakes
A draw will be enough for the Socceroos to secure a favourable last-32 clash with Belgium, Iran, Egypt or even New Zealand in Dallas with seven days’ rest. A win would see them sailing into that fixture, their confidence restored after the shock of that sluggish first half performance against the USA.
The Opposition
Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro described the match as a “final” for his team. “Of course we understand we are the team ranked lower by Fifa, but that doesn’t mean I feel inferior to them,” he said.
The Team News
The Socceroos will be forced to make changes to their starting XI as injury bites before the World Cup clash with Paraguay. Assistant coach Paul Okon spoke the previous day about how Jordy Bos, Australia’s dangerous left-wingback, had been forced to exert more energy in the first half against the USA due to the American raids down that flank.