<\/p>\n
Neither side could unearth a breakthrough during the first half of the Socceroos\u2019 final group-stage match against Paraguay, with scores tied at 0-0 at half-time in Santa Clara.<\/p>\n
Jackson Irvine, Cristian Volpato and Jordan Bos each made attempts at goal during the uneventful first half, while Connor Metcalfe needed medical attention after copping an accidental boot to the face.<\/p>\n
Zayas v Ennis | Sunday June 28 from 8am AEST | New York City plays host to a scintillating matchup at super welterweight, as unified champion Xander Zayas looks to defend his WBO and WBA titles against pound-for-pound star Jaron \u2018Boots\u2019 Ennis. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Australian coach Tony Popovic made six changes for the crucial World Cup game, with Nestory Irankunda, Lucas Herrington, and Volpato named to start.<\/p>\n Eighteen-year-old Herrington becomes the youngest Australian footballer to start at a men\u2019s World Cup, breaking the record set by Irankunda against Turkiye a fortnight ago.<\/p>\n MATCH CENTRE: Australia v Paraguay live scores and statistics<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n FULL 2026 WORLD CUP SCHEDULE WITH AUSTRALIAN TIMES AND DATES<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n SOCCEROOS\u2019 WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT SCENARIOS EXPLAINED<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n Follow all the action from Australia v Paraguay in our live blog below! Can\u2019t see it? Click here<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n SOCCEROOS XI<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Patrick Beach, Jordan Bos, Alessandro Circati, Harry Souttar, Lucas Herrington, Aziz Behich, Aiden O\u2019Neill, Jackson Irvine, Connor Metcalfe, Cristian Volpato, Nestory Irankunda<\/i><\/p>\n PREVIEW<\/b><\/p>\n Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro believes his side is due for some help from above ahead of taking on the Australia in Santa Clara, California in their decisive World Cup clash. <\/p>\n Speaking to reporters at the home of the NFL\u2019s San Francisco 49ers on the eve of their crucial Group D clash, Alfaro said it was time for \u201cdivine justice\u201d as Paraguay chased back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time in their history.<\/p>\n The call to the heavens draws similarities to Uruguay star \u00c1lvaro Recoba\u2019s \u201cdivine right\u201d comment before the famous intercontinental playoff in Sydney in 2005 that the South American nation lost on penalties.<\/p>\n Paraguay do not have the same glittering history as their two-time World Cup winning neighbours.<\/p>\n But after an upset 1-0 victory against Turkiye, Alfaro\u2019s side kept their tournament alive following a 4-1 thrashing by co-hosts the USA in their opening game.<\/p>\n A Socceroos win, or a draw, will put Australia automatically through to the Round of 32, while Paraguay need to win to nab second place in the group.<\/p>\n The third-place finisher will face an anxious wait to see if they are one of the eight best third place teams as results come in from other groups.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a final for us,\u201d Alfaro said. \u201cThere\u2019s no tomorrow for us. \u2026 I tell my players, we need to live this match as if it were the last one we play.\u201d<\/p>\n EXPLAINED: Socceroos\u2019 knockout scenarios and who they can face in round-of-32<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n