Turkey ended their World Cup campaign on a high with a last-gasp 3-2 victory over a second-string United States side at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, a result that confirmed the co-hosts as Group D winners but did little to overshadow Australia's nervy 0-0 draw with Paraguay that secured the Socceroos a place in the last 32.
At the San Francisco Bay Area stadium, Australia knew a draw would be enough to qualify for the knockout phase for the third time in their history. Tony Popovic's much-changed side controlled large parts of the match, but with both teams aware that a draw sufficed, there were long stretches without impetus. The 0-0 scoreline was enough to book second place in Group D.
“Turkey beat USA 3-2 with last-minute winner; Australia drew 0-0 with Paraguay to secure knockout place.”
Jordy Bos, playing on the right side of defence, and Lucas Herrington, making his World Cup debut, were the standout performers. The young defender was assured for the duration, and the whole team delivered a historic achievement on a cool night in Santa Clara, leaving more than 12,000 fans in yellow delirious.
Popovic's reputation as a gambler grew with six changes to the starting XI, following two shocks in the previous match. The Socceroos now have a week's rest before their last-32 match in Dallas, where they will face the second-placed team from Group G. Belgium are well placed to finish second in that group, needing only to beat New Zealand.
The USA, fielding a second-string side, finished as group winners after Turkey's win, but the co-hosts will be aware of the need to improve ahead of the knockout stages. For Australia, the draw was not a match of high distinction, but it was enough. As millions watched on TV and in bars, the team delivered when it mattered, keeping their World Cup mission on track.