Australia
Australia hold the advantage going into this decider, sitting second on goal difference after a 2-0 win over Turkey and a 2-0 defeat to the United States, which means a draw sends them through. From my point of view Tony Popovic's side will set up to be hard to break down, trusting Harry Souttar and a deep block to frustrate Paraguay. Patrick Beach has been a solid presence in goal and the squad has come through the group without fresh injury concerns. I expect a disciplined, low-risk approach built on soaking up pressure and threatening on the counter through Nestory Irankunda, though Mathew Leckie’s potential absence with a hamstring injury certainly doesn’t help.
Predicted Lineup: Beach; Italiano, Circati, Souttar, Burgess, Bos; Irvine, O'Neill, Okon-Engstler, Velupillay; Irankunda.
Paraguay
Paraguay know nothing but a victory will guarantee qualification, even after beating Turkiye with only ten men for the second half following a heavy opening loss to the United States. In my opinion Gustavo Alfaro's side face a real problem here, because they are without the suspended Miguel Almiron, the man who gives them their creative spark from midfield. Gustavo Gomez will marshal a defence that has to stay solid while the team chases the game, but they’ll want to create more chances at the other end of the pitch than they did against Turkiye, despite winning that game. They have the attacking tools to win this, but breaking down a compact Australian block without their key playmaker is a tall order.
Predicted Lineup: Gill; Caceres, Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Cubas, Galarza; Gomez, Enciso; Pitta, Bobadilla.
