Paraguay face Australia with World Cup survival at stake

Australia on Thursday, everything on the line

Paraguay face Australia in the final Group D match on Thursday (Friday AEST) (1). It is simple: win or go home. The 4–1 loss to the United States in the opener put Garnero's side in a hole, and now the equation is final.

A supercomputer gives the edge to Australia (1). Your team has not looked like the resilient Paraguay the region expects. Thursday demands something different.

FIFA revokes Paraguayan journalist's credential

Paraguayan journalist Jorge Vera has had his World Cup accreditation cancelled by FIFA (2). He called the referee and FIFA officials "thieves" and "sons of bitches" after Almirón was sent off against Turkey, Ole reported (2).

The outburst was directed at officials following the red card decision. Almirón's disciplinary record has become a running theme of Paraguay's tournament, and the frustration around it has now spilled well beyond the pitch.

Pulisic injured against Paraguay, but US still beat Australia 2–0

Christian Pulisic picked up a calf issue during the USMNT's win over Paraguay and missed the Americans' 2–0 victory over Australia (3). He has since resumed training ahead of the Turkey finale (3).

The US result against Australia is a reminder of the gap Paraguay need to close. Two matches, two very different outcomes for teams that faced your side.

Fan-reaktioner

The lighter side of Paraguay's tournament is getting traction on Reddit, where a clip of Matias Galarza picking up the referee's watch and putting it on during a match has fans laughing. It is the kind of moment that travels fast online, a bit of personality in a tough group stage. Watch the clip here.