ARLINGTON, United States, June 26, (v7n)– Coach Tony Popovic said Australia want to do "something special" after reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for only the third time in their history.
The Socceroos played out a 0-0 draw on Thursday with Paraguay in Santa Clara—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. They will next play on July 3 at the air-conditioned home of the Dallas Cowboys against the side that finishes second in Group G, which comprises Egypt, Iran, Belgium, and regional rivals New Zealand.
"It's a special day, we've seen already how many big nations have not gone through," Popovic told reporters. "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."
Popovic named a young side that delivered a gritty display in northern California to get the Socceroos over the line in an uneventful match. He reserved particular praise for 18-year-old central defender Lucas Herrington, Australia's youngest starter at a men's World Cup, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona.
"He is a special talent," Popovic said of the teenager, who plays in Major League Soccer. "It's why he was selected in the squad, not to just make up the numbers, and again entrusted this talented young man in the most important game of the three. He was ready to play. He's probably frustrated he didn't get minutes against the US, which I love to see. Today he was outstanding."
With a week to prepare for the last 32, Popovic said the break could be crucial. "We're delighted to have this break. 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."
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