Socceroos confident of doing 'something special' in next round

Australia’s Socceroos are preparing for “something special” after finishing second in their World Cup group with a tense 0-0 draw against Paraguay. The result sent the team into the last 32 and sets up a trip to Dallas to face the Group G runners-up—either Belgium, Egypt, Iran or New Zealand—on July 1. Australia ended Group D with four points, behind the United States (six) and ahead of Paraguay (four) on goal difference, while last-placed Turkey (three) was eliminated. Coach Tony Popovic said the draw rewarded bold selection, including starts for Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato, and gave the squad an extra day of rest. Aiden O’Neill called the second-place finish “huge,” noting limited expectations coming into the tournament.