Another 0-0 Borefest? Australia and Paraguay Sneak Into Last 32

Four points apiece for both teams in Group D. Australia, thanks to better goal difference, snagged second place. That means automatic progression. They’ll head to Arlington on Friday 3 July (7pm local time) to face the Group G runners-up. Right now, that's Iran. Could still be Egypt, Belgium, or New Zealand. Keep an eye on that.

Paraguay hunkered down. Back-three at half-time. Whatever it took to protect that clean sheet. They’re sitting fourth in the third-place standings. Eight of 12 third-place teams advance. Good odds for them. Mauricio almost ruined Australia’s party with a late winner, but it wasn't meant to be.

Frankly, it was a stinker. Australia hogged the ball. Did nothing with it. Jackson Irvine forced a save in the fourth minute. Jordan Bos tried his luck from distance on 36. Cristian Volpato made Orlando Gill punch one away just before the break. That’s it. Paraguay waited. Didn't even shoot until after halftime. Mauricio's stoppage-time snap shot, straight at Patrick Beach, was the closest anyone got.

Talk about a turnaround for Paraguay's defence. They shipped four goals against the USA. Faced 32 shots from Turkey in earlier group matches. Then they showed up here, tight and tidy. Who saw that coming?

Paraguay captain Gustavo Gomez was predictably chuffed, telling Sky Sports: *"The important thing is that we earned a point, and I think with this result we've qualified, which was our primary objective."* Well, good for him.

One annoying side effect of this spectacle? Scotland. This draw shoved them down to eighth in the third-place standings. That's the last qualifying spot. Four teams are still to play. Could get ugly for the Scots.