Paraguay 0-0 Australia — World Cup: Recap, Highlights & Reactions

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An 18-year-old made history in a game where neither team wanted the ball.

Australia secured their place in the World Cup knockout rounds after grinding out a turgid 0-0 draw against Paraguay.

Neither side wanted to dictate play at Levi's Stadium, resulting in a cagey, low-intensity affair. Australia only needed a draw to progress, while Paraguay had to win but sorely missed the suspended Miguel Almirón. Socceroos boss handed a historic start to 18-year-old defender , who looked incredibly composed. In a game of few chances, fired wide in the second half, and Jordan Bos curled a late effort agonizingly off-target. Paraguay's late surge was thwarted by goalkeeper as Australia held on to advance.

— and get this

At just 18 years old, defender became the youngest Australian to start a men's World Cup match, breaking a record set only two weeks ago by teammate .

Before kickoff, live prediction markets pegged Australia's probability of being eliminated in the very next round at 60%, a line that will now be tested in the .

The stalemate means Australia's historic search for a first-ever World Cup win against South American opposition goes on, stretching their record against CONMEBOL teams to six games without a victory.