Socceroos fall to USA, Paraguay clash decides World Cup fate

Australia fall to USA, everything on the line against Paraguay

Ricardo Pepi scored either side of half-time and the USA beat your team 2–0 in Guadalajara on Friday (2) (3) (4). Alex Freeman forced a save, but the Americans controlled the match without Christian Pulisic even stepping on the pitch (3). The second half was better, Australia pushed, created moments, and gave themselves something to take into the Paraguay match (2).

The group is still alive. Turkey beat Paraguay, which means Australia go into their final Group D match on Thursday (Friday AEST) knowing a win secures the knockout rounds (1) (2). Jackson Irvine will captain the side in what is now a straight shootout.

Irvine: no sympathy for Almirón red card

Paraguay are missing their biggest weapon. Miguel Almirón was sent off against Turkey for covering his mouth, a FIFA rule designed to stop players conspiring with referees (1). Jackson Irvine backs the rule completely.

"People know the rules," Irvine said. "The referees are mic'd up, and you just get on with it. Nobody to blame but themselves" (1). He was direct about the consequence for Paraguay: "We don't have any sympathy for them. I'm not going to shed a tear."

Pepi steps into Pulisic's shadow

Folarin Balogun set up Pepi's opener and the striker now has two goals in two World Cup starts (3). Mauricio Pochettino's USA have adapted to life without their talisman, Pulisic watched from the bench, managed carefully through a minor issue (3). The Americans are through to the knockout stage with a game to spare.

Fan reactions

Reddit's r/soccer noted that Pochettino is already tied for the most World Cup wins as USMNT manager, after only two matches (1). The stat says as much about the USA's tournament history as it does about his fast start. Read the discussion here.