Australia players celebrate after qualifying for the Round of 32. (AFP)
Santa Clara: Head coach Tony Popovic said Australia want to do “something special” after reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for only the third time in their history.
The Socceroos played out a 0-0 draw on Thursday with Paraguay in Santa Clara in a stalemate that suited both teams.
Australia, who stunned Turkey in their opening match before losing to co-hosts the United States, qualified for the last 32 as runners-up in Group D.
Next they play at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys on July 3 against the side that finishes second in Group G, which comprises Egypt, Iran, Belgium and New Zealand.
“It’s a special day, we’ve seen already how many big nations have not gone through,” Popovic said. “I’d like to think that we dominated the game in a crucial World Cup qualifier with a very young squad in the third match when everything’s on the line.
“The players showed composure, patience, quality, and resilience. We’ll now go to Dallas and try and do something special.”
Australia now have a week to prepare for the last 32, and Popovic said the break could be crucial if they want to extend their stay in North America.
“We’re delighted to have this break,” he said. “We have a good plan in place to have all players that are fit, ready and able to produce a big performance that might give us a chance to progress even further.” - AFC
