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Who plays who in the World Cup round of 32?
Australia is through to the knock-out stages, first facing Egypt. (Getty Images: Xinhua/Ziyu Julian Zhu)
The World Cup group phase is finally over, meaning the knockout rounds have finally begun.
It came after Iran was knocked out of the tournament on goal difference following a dramatic 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria.
The knockout rounds start with South Africa taking on Canada at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Monday, June 29 (AEST), as the road to the final begins in earnest.
The Socceroos will be in action on Saturday, July 4 AEDT, when Australia takes on Egypt, who are playing in their first-ever knockout game at the World Cup finals.
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The World Cup group stage is done and dusted, with the 32 knockout qualifiers locked in after 72 games.
Australia progressed to the next stage having finished second in their group, with Tony Popovic’s men set to face Egypt in the round of 32.
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If they can record a maiden World Cup knockouts win Australia would then face Argentina or Cabo Verde in the round of 16.
A miracle run to the quarter-finals would see the Socceroos facing one of Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia or Ghana.
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Anatomy of a deadly right flank: The Bos-Volpato pairing that almost brought Socceroos a winner
It was a case of another Socceroos outing, another set of selection surprises from Tony Popovic.
For Friday’s third group game against Paraguay, the head coach made six changes to the starting line-up that was outclassed by the United States last week. And while the pre-match focus was on the re-inclusion of Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, Australia actually discovered their most potent attacking outlet through a forced change.
The absence of right wing-back Jacob Italiano due to injury – while unfortunate – became the gateway to a reshuffle that saw Popovic shift Jordy Bos away from his left wing-back role and into the vacant right wing-back spot, with Aziz Behich slotting in on the left. Popovic also gave Cristian Volpato the nod on the right side of attack, and it was Volpato’s combination with Bos that provided Australia’s best route to goal throughout a dominant first half.
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