Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
AUSTRALIA V PARAGUAY:
Friday 25 June, 1200 AEST
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Live world ranking: Australia 26, Paraguay 37
Coaches: Australia: Tony Popovic, Paraguay: Gustavo Alfaro
Highest ever ranking: Australia 14 (2009), Paraguay 8 (2001)
Lowest ever ranking: Australia 102 (2014), Paraguay 103 (1995)
Head-to-head: Played 5: Australia 2 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses
Best World Cup finish: Australia: R16 (2016, 2022), Paraguay: quarter-finals (2010)
Population: Australia: 28 million, Paraguay: 7 million
WHAT’S ON THE LINE:
* Australia win – Finish second in Group D behind the United States, seal round-of-32 clash in Dallas against Group G runner-up (one of Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand)
* Australia draw – Finish second in Group D behind the United States, seal round-of-32 clash in Dallas against Group G runner-up (one of Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand). Paraguay should progress in third place.
* Australia loss – Finish third in Group D behind the United States and Paraguay, await confirmation of progression as a best third-placed finisher.
PAST MEETINGS:
09/06/2000: 0-0 draw (friendly, Sydney, Australia)
12/06/2000: 0-0 draw (friendly, Brisbane, Australia)
15/06/2000: Australia 2-1 (friendly, Melbourne, Australia)
07/10/2006: 1-1 draw (friendly, Brisbane, Australia)
09/10/2010: Australia 1-0 (friendly, Sydney, Australia)
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
* Jordan Bos – Australia’s left wing-back is yet to truly ignite this tournament and looms as a player who could menace Paraguay all game.
* Cristian Volpato – The winger delivered excitement in spades against the US and in a game where Paraguay could sit deep, has the ability to unlock a defence.
* Julio Enciso – the Strasbourg attacker has two assists already and is a constant attacking threat, but is still hitting his straps.
* Diego Gomez – with no Miguel Almiron (suspension), Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Gomez will be crucial to dictating play.
