Paraguay draw 0–0 with Australia and now the waiting begins

Paraguay 0–0 Australia, now the waiting game

Paraguay did what they needed to do. A 0–0 draw against Australia on Thursday keeps Gustavo Alfaro's side on three points, third in Group D (1) (3) (6). Australia go through in second place. Paraguay must now wait to see if three points is enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams (2) (13).

The match was tense and tight. Diego Gómez went close with a long-range strike that whistled just wide (10) (15). Australia had a penalty shout waved away early in the second half, Jordan Bos went down under contact from Damián Bobadilla, but the referee saw nothing in it (10). Orlando Gill was sharp when called upon, preserving the clean sheet (10).

Junior Alonso and the backline held firm throughout. Australian midfielders Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe pushed hard but could not break through (3) (10). The draw leaves Paraguay in limbo until the group stage concludes.

Turkey stun USA 3–2, group D finale goes wild

The group delivered chaos. Turkey beat the United States 3–2 in a thriller, a result that means the Americans still top Group D but Paraguay's path now runs through the third-place rankings (8) (9) (16). Turkey are eliminated despite the win, it came too late after their defeat to Paraguay earlier in the group (16).

For Paraguay, the Turkey result is a double-edged sword. It confirms the group standings and means waiting on outcomes elsewhere. If Paraguay sneak through, they will face one of the group winners in the round of 32. The USA will play Bosnia and Herzegovina (8).

Fan reactions

Paraguay fans are split between relief and anxiety. A clean sheet and a point against a solid Australia side earned respect, but the waiting game is brutal. Many are replaying the Bos penalty incident in their heads, the consensus online leans toward a let-off for Paraguay, though some argue Bobadilla got the ball first. The penalty shout is the main talking point on r/soccer.