By Anna Harrington

The Socceroos have scampered into the World Cup knockout stage after claiming a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in their final group game.

Australia will head to Dallas for a round-of-32 clash with the Group G runner-up – one of Belgium, Egypt, Iran or New Zealand – after finishing second in Group D.

The Socceroos needed a win or draw at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Thursday (Friday AEST) and sealed progression with a point, while Paraguay (four points) should be one of the best third-placed finishers ahead of Turkey.

Finishing second rather than third also means Australia avoids a daunting round-of-32 meeting with tournament heavyweights Germany or France.

Coach Tony Popovic was rewarded for bold selection calls, which included starting Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato – and six total changes to the line-up that lost 2-0 to the United States.

Australia dominated but they could not find their way through a tenacious Paraguay defence while La Albirroja could not break through the Socceroos.

The result means the Socceroos have reached the knockout rounds at back-to-back FIFA World Cups for the first time, capping another disciplined tournament performance under Popovic.

The Socceroos, who reach the knockouts at back-to-back World Cups for the first time, will eagerly await Friday’s matches between New Zealand (one point) and Belgium (two points), plus Egypt (four points) and Iran (two points) that will determine their next opponent.