Socceroos through to the knockouts as Paraguay match ends in goalless draw — as it happened

Harry Kewell has just spoken on SBS's half-time show, saying it's been a "great start" for Australia.

"Great start, good intent, positive on the play," he said.

"The changes that Popovic brought in have contributed to the team."

He said the standout player has been Jackson Irvine.

"He's brought that kind of calmness, he's been very disciplined," he said.

"What I like is he's working the ball from side to side and isn't afraid to play forward."

He said it's been difficult for Nestory Irankunda, who is playing up top rather than his usual position on the wing.

"He may just need to change the way he approaches it, maybe play a bit more simply and get into the box when crosses do come in."

— Miles Proust

A good half from Australia, who have dominated possession and created multiple opportunities.

According to Opta Analyst, Australia have had 62.8 per cent possession to Paraguay's 37.2 and six shots to one.

— Miles Proust

Another chance from the right flank just before half-time, with Volpato crossing it in, but it's headed away.

The half-time whistle blows and it's 0-0.

— Miles Proust

Another chance, with Souttar passing a nice through-ball to Volpato who carries to the box.

He has two defenders in front of him, passing it back to Bos, who chips it in.

Irvine goes for the header but doesn't make great contact, with the ball going high and out for a goal kick.

— Miles Proust

Vibes are high at The Drive in Adelaide, where fans are anxiously watching.

Source: SBS / Daniel Pizarro

A sea of green and gold cheer on the Socceroos — so far, not a Paraguay supporter in sight.

— Daniel Pizarro

Jumping over to the other match going on in Group D right now — USA v Türkiye — and things have just got very interesting.

Türkiye have just scored their second goal of the game and are now leading USA 2-1.

The man next to me at the pub — I mean office — tells me that there is a chance, should Türkiye win by three goals and Australia win by three goals, that Australia could actually top the group.

Should Türkiye take home three points today, they'll disrupt the ranking of the third-place teams. Source: SBS

Even if Australia doesn't get ahead by that much, a Türkiye three-pointer could disrupt the list of the "lucky eight" third-place teams that will head to the knockout stage.

— Alexandra Koster

Chance for Australia after a nice spell on the right flank.

Bos carries it forward before passing off to Volpato, who takes the shot from the right just inside the box.

It's punched away by the keeper.

Six minutes of stoppage time have been added.

Behich is caught a second time, going down holding his shin after a tackle close to the boundary.

Australia wins a free.

A long ball to Behich on the left flank looks dangerous as he's ahead of Paraguay's defence, but it goes too far and out for a throw-in.

So far, Australia have had 49 per cent possession, compared to Paraguay's 36.

Australia's defence holds up well after Paraguay's throw-in to the box. Paraguay is crowded by Australia's defenders, and it goes out for a goal kick.

— Miles Proust

Another nice spell by Australia leads to a shot by Bos outside the box, but it doesn't have enough power and is easily collected.

At the last match against co-hosts USA, Aussie fans were in the minority.

This time, there’s almost certainly more wearing green and gold than the white and red of Paraguay.

Over in the stadium, Australia shirts were almost completely sold out. Paraguay shirts, however... Source: SBS

In an entirely unscientific test, I popped into the very expensive FIFA shop inside the stadium. Aussie shirts were almost sold out.

Plenty of Paraguay gear left.

On that basis, there are more Aussie fans here, or Paraguay supporters are far more responsible with their money.

— Ben Lewis

Behich goes down clutching his leg after a tackle from behind.

Australia win the free kick, taken by Volpato.

He plays it short to O'Neill who chips it into the box but it goes over everyone and out for a goal kick.

Play has resumed.

Beach plays it out left, with Australia losing possession before winning it back.

It's played to Irankunda in the centre, who passes it off, then a nice play to Metcalfe, who carries up the left flank.

He's taken out just outside the box, going down clutching his head.

The replay shows he cops an accidental boot to the face.

There's a bit of blood and he's now sporting a black bandage around his head. He's changed his shirt and has come back on to continue playing.

The drinks break is called and it's 0-0.

It's early days but Australia is looking good, having more opportunities than Paraguay.

— Miles Proust

Metcalfe takes a long-range strike from outside the box but it's blocked.

Australia win a corner, which Volpato sends short. It's headed out of danger by Paraguay.

Australia win a free kick at the halfway line after O'Neill is taken out late by Cáceres.

The Socceroos play it short before taking it forward on the right flank.

There's a nice cross into the box, but no one is there to receive, and it's cleared away.

Showers are on the radar in Sydney, but thousands of arriving fans are prepared for anything at Tumbalong Park.

Organisers are confident the venue could get full here too as city workers tumble out of work.

Fans have flocked to Sydney's Tumbalong Park to watch Australia take on Paraguay. Source: SBS

Police riot squad are on standby with all spectators going through bag checks.

Speaking to SBS, Philomena Cole says the Socceroos will win 1-0 "easy".

Socceroos fans were ecstatic at the goalless draw. Source: SBS

"We’re winning," she said. "It’s pumping. You can hear the crowd go off."

"I’m pumped for post-game too, so nearest pub where we’re at. As long as the beers are cold, we’re happy and we get up with the wind."

Isaak Bale (right) skipped the last day of school to come down and watch the game. Source: SBS

Isaak Bale, 18, skipped the last day of school term to come down with his friends.

"I’m missing school. It's the last day of term for us, but you gotta support the Socceroos."

"I got told that about half the school is not at school today."

— Josh van Staden