Australia secured their place in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 after playing out a goalless draw with Paraguay in San Francisco, a result that also leaves the South Americans on the brink of qualification.
The stalemate suited both teams, with the Socceroos needing only a point to finish as group runners-up, while Paraguay’s fourth point of the campaign leaves them well placed to progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Although the result achieved both sides’ objectives, the encounter offered little excitement as neither team was willing to take unnecessary risks. Australia looked the more adventurous in the opening half, while Paraguay, missing suspended captain Miguel Almiron, struggled to pose any significant attacking threat.
Australia will now face the runners-up from the group containing Egypt, Iran and Belgium in the round of 32, while Paraguay are on course to meet Group E winners Germany should they qualify as expected.
In Los Angeles, Turkey claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over co-hosts the United States with the final kick of the game to record their first World Cup win since 2002.
The Americans made a dream start despite making nine changes to their starting line-up. Defender Auston Trusty fired home from close range after being left unmarked at a corner just two minutes and 13 seconds into the match, registering the second-fastest World Cup goal in United States history.
Turkey gradually found their rhythm and drew level through Arda Guler, who converted a clever reverse pass from Baris Alper Yilmaz for his country’s first goal of the tournament.
Just when the contest appeared destined for a draw, Kaan Ayhan pounced deep into stoppage time to bundle home the winning goal, handing Turkey a memorable victory despite their earlier elimination from the competition.
Sweden also booked their place in the knockout stage after Anthony Elanga’s superb second-half strike earned a 1-1 draw against Japan in Group F.
The encounter came to life after halftime when Celtic forward Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead following an intricate move involving Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan.
However, Sweden responded within six minutes as Newcastle United winger Elanga, making his first start of the tournament, cut inside from the left before unleashing a powerful drive from the edge of the penalty area that beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The result was enough to send Sweden into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, where they will face one of France, Norway, Germany or Switzerland. Japan progressed as Group F runners-up and will now take on five-time world champions Brazil.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands maintained their perfect group-stage record with a 2-1 victory over Tunisia to finish top of Group F.
Ronald Koeman’s side raced into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes. Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri inadvertently turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net before Brian Brobbey doubled the advantage with his third goal of the tournament after Virgil van Dijk headed the ball across goal.
The Dutch controlled much of the contest and rarely looked troubled, although Tunisia reduced the deficit in the second half when Hazem Mastouri headed home after Tijjani Reijnders lost his marker from a corner.
The victory confirmed the Netherlands as Group F winners and set up a round-of-32 clash against 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, while Japan’s second-place finish earned them a blockbuster encounter against Brazil.
