AUSTRALIA VS PARAGUAY LIVE CHAOS AT FEDERATION SQUARE 😱 FAN DRAGGED OUT BY POLICE AS SOCCEROOS ENTER HALF-TIME IN TENSE 0–0 WORLD CUP THRILLER
10:43
When will some fresh legs come on for Nestory Irankunda?
It has been a difficult night for Nestory and he is running on empty, when will coach Tony Popovic bring in some more attacking options?
‘Irankunda just hasn’t been the normal Nestory Irankunda, just turning the ball over too often,’ David Basheer.
‘It’s been difficult for him. He has been feeding off scraps and playing with his back to goal. It has not been that much space in behind and the Paraguayans are well aware of his throat and nullify that,’ Luke Wilkshire
10:36
Scores are still locked at 0-0 at the second hydration break
10:24
Irvine booked as tensions rise after the break
The temperature of this contest has risen.
Jackson Irvine has become the first Socceroo booked after flattening Paraguay star Julio Enciso with a late challenge.
The Australian midfielder was shown a yellow card immediately and made his frustrations clear, but there was little argument over the referee’s decision.
10:16
Chaos erupts at Federation Square with a fan dragged out by police
A fan has been dragged out by police at Federation Square as chaotic scenes again hit Melbourne’s main World Cup live site during the Socceroos’ clash with Paraguay.
Supporters were earlier seen jumping barricades, running from security and letting off flares before Australia’s crucial group-stage match.
The site reached its 7000-person capacity before kick-off, with fans still waiting outside told to head to the overflow area at AAMI Park.
Police and security were forced to deal with several incidents, including at least one unruly supporter being removed from the venue, while flares were also set off.
On the pitch, Australia dominated possession in the first half but went to the break locked at 0-0 with Paraguay in a tense World Cup clash.
Fan dragged out as Socceroos reach half-time locked 0-0
More chaos has greeted the Federation Square live site – with the Socceroos taking to the pitch at the FIFA World Cup again.
10:01
HALFTIME – Australia 0, Paraguay 0
Assistant Socceroos coach Paul Okon:
‘We are dominating the ball. We didn’t expect Paraguay to change their shape. It’s gone to a back five. That means we’ve an extra player in midfield. You have seen a couple of times Volpato coming in the pocket, picking up balls. We need to be a bit more efficient around the box and create more dangerous moments to score.’
09:37
Another chance goes begging as Paraguay brings the rough stuff
Jordie Bos’ strike is turned away by the Paraguay goalkeeper as the Aussies enjoy the majority of possession – and the free kicks. Paraguay starting to play like a side that has adopted the attitude ‘if you can’t win the match, win the fight’.
09:29
Connor Metcalfe cops a nasty knock to the face
The Aussie has been left bloodied and needing treatment after wearing a boot to the face contesting the ball. A bandage around the head and a fresh jersey and we are back underway.
09:27
Scoreless at the first hydration break
‘Australia starting the better of their opponent in this match,’ David Basheer
09:22
Volpato giving Paraguay nightmares on the right flank
Former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire said in commentary: ‘We just wondered whether Jordan Bos would be a bit more attack minded. All he needs is a partner like Volpato to unleash the shackles. Great to see Bos – we knew with a bit more dominance in possession, we would be able to see him go forward and create. It’s been a fantastic start down that right flank. It’s a combination of Volpato and Jordan Bos.’
09:19
Early goals in other Group D clash as USA and Turkey trade blows
There’s been a flying start in the other Group D match, with the United States and Turkey locked at 1-1 after just 10 minutes.
Auston Trusty opened the scoring for the Americans before Arda Guler hit back almost immediately for Turkey.
The result won’t change the group picture. The USA has already secured top spot and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, while Turkey’s World Cup campaign will end after tonight.
09:06
Volpato makes an immediate impact
Both sides only need a draw, but have signalled their early intent to go for the win. Australia with the first genuine chance, Volpato helping set up a Jackson Irvine strike which is parried away by the ‘keeper
08:49
Harry Kewell believes set pieces will decide the victor
“Both teams will be cagey, both teams can do with a draw. They’re going to rely on controlling and getting in the right positions. If you get in the right position, especially on set pieces, that can be your main threat today,” he said.
SOURCE: https://www.dailymail.com/sport/football/article-15928223/Australia-Socceroos-Paraguay-live-World-Cup-2026-group-D.html
