Paraguay must win this final Group D match at Levi’s Stadium to lock in their knockout spot. Australia sit second on three points after their 2-0 win over Turkey and 0-2 loss to the USA. Paraguay hold the same record following their 1-0 victory against Turkey and 1-4 defeat to the USA.
Miguel Almiron sits suspended after his red card versus Turkey. Julio Enciso misses out with a knee issue while Matias Galarza picked up an injury in that same game. Diego Gomez and the defensive pair of Gustavo Gomez plus Omar Alderete will carry extra responsibility. Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe both found the net in Australia’s group opener. Jackson Irvine anchors the midfield and Mathew Ryan keeps goal.
Paraguay’s recent results show mixed form. They beat Nicaragua 4-0 in a friendly and Greece 1-0 before losing 1-2 to Morocco. Australia’s two World Cup matches tell a similar story of inconsistency. The expanded format gives Paraguay a possible route through third place but a win remains the safest path.
Both sides know what is required. Australia advance with a win or draw. Paraguay face the tougher task yet they showed they can grind out results like the 1-0 win over Turkey. Expect a tense affair where set pieces and individual moments from Almiron’s stand-ins or Irankunda could decide it.
Recommended Bets
Paraguay win @2.60 — They need the victory to guarantee progress and showed resilience in their 1-0 win over Turkey.
Australia win or draw @1.55 — A point is enough for them to advance from the group.
Under 2.5 goals @1.85 — Both teams have kept clean sheets in recent wins and produced low-scoring results against strong opponents.
Odds tend to shorten closer to kickoff — lock in value now.
