Superstar emerges as rising Socceroo turns gamble into masterstroke
SAN FRANCISCO: Socceroos star Jordan Bos has copped high praise from his teammates after his starring role secured qualification for the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup after a tense 0-0 draw against Paraguay.
Australia’s result makes it the nation’s third time in history finishing second in the group stages after progression at the 2006 and 2022 World Cups.
Nestory Irankunda is challenged by Omar Alderete. Getty
Coming into the match second in the group, the Aussies were still a chance for progression if they lost, due to the new format allowing for the top third-place finishers going through.
But a Socceroos side, which had six changes from the USA loss, did enough to keep its tournament hopes alive. All of the changes, both tactical and personnel, made a positive difference but the standout performer was Bos, who gave the Paraguayans nightmares with his forward thrusts after being switched from his usual left back role to the right.
Bos may well be on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs after a breakout World Cup performance that he very nearly iced with the winning goal.
Teammate Milos Degenek went big in his adulation, describing his fellow defender as “the best left back in his age without a question”.
“And I would say he’s top five in the world, that’s just my opinion, I’m very biased and I love him but I think he is,” he said in the mixed zone.
Asked how he goes as a right back, he replied “top 10” to laughs of the press pack.
“He’s immaculate ... no disrespect to Aziz (Behich) but I think Jordy Bos is the best left back that Australia has probably had in history,” he added.
Bos explained his switch to right back wasn’t expected with the move coming a day after confirmation Jacob Italiano was injured.
“I’ve played right back and right winger, right wing back is in between and similar to those positions so I’m comfortable,” he said.
Player of the match Aiden O’Neill also admitted the honour may have been more suited to his teammate.
The first half at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium belonged to the Socceroos, finishing with six shots to Paraguay’s one.
The possession stats read that Australia had 51 per cent, while Paraguay tallied 35 per cent. Fourteen per cent was in contest.
Jordan Bos takes centre stage, celebrating in front of his teammates. Dean Mouhtaropoulos
Both sides clearly were happy to play a risk-free match as neither truly took the game on with Paraguay also needing a draw.
Cristian Volpato, who made his first start and looked dangerous on the right side, was first to be substituted in the 58th minute for Ajdin Hrustic.
In a sign of how dour the match had become, the biggest cheer came at the final hydration break when a fan in the 68,827 strong crowd appeared on the big screen doing a shoey.
In the 84th minute, Popovic went to his bench again, bringing on Paul Okon-Engstler for Jackson Irvine while Tete Yengi made his first World Cup appearance as an exhausted Nestory Irankunda exited.
The dying stages brought about one of the more exciting moments when Bos tried to expose Paraguay’s tired defence and surged into the box.
The right back pushed on to his left foot and shot from a tight angle, just missing the far post.
Jordan Bos pushes forward for the Socceroos. Getty Images
Then a nervy moment followed two minutes into injury time when Paraguay’s Mauricio had a shot saved by Patrick Beach.
The Socceroos followed that up with a rather tame effort from Yengi, which was also saved.
No further chances came in the final seconds, with the Socceroos sealing a spot in the round of 32.
In the other Group D match, USA lost 3-2 to Türkiye but still finished top of the group, with six points.
Australia will now play in Dallas on July 4 (AEST).
