One point from Paraguay, and the Socceroos go through

A draw does it

Australia go into Friday's final Group D match against Paraguay knowing a draw will send them through to the last 32 (1). Jason Geria put it his own way. "Let them watch it," the defender said, urging schools to put the game on in classrooms back home (1).

It is a strange position after the campaign so far. The heroic performance against Turkey, then that 2–0 loss to the United States that stung. Now one point against Paraguay and you are through.

Geria wants kids watching at school

Geria's message went beyond the squad. "Chuck it on the iPad," he told reporters this week, asking schools to show the match live (1). He plays his club football at the third level of Japan, a reminder of how this squad pulls from everywhere.

Ryan benched, Jedinak backs the call

Maty Ryan made his disappointment public after being benched for Patrick Beach. Tony Popovic went with a gut feeling. Assistant coach Mile Jedinak has defended the decision, telling the group to focus on what they can control.

Irvine and the new red card rule

Jackson Irvine backed FIFA's controversial red card rule for covering mouths, after Paraguay's Miguel Almirón became the first player sent off under it. Irvine has been a vocal presence in the group throughout the tournament.