In every World Cup previously, this final group game match-up would have had tons of pressure riding on it, and could have decided which nation progresses to the knockout stages, and who gets grouped. However, this year's format has meant that it is likely that both Australia and Paraguay will qualify, due to the tournament being expanded.

Neither side can overtake the Stars and Stripes at the top of the group, as the hosts have beaten both sides, with head-to-head the chosen tiebreaker over the more traditional goal difference. A win for either country will secure them second place and avoid the risk of being eliminated as a poor-performing third-place side.

A draw for the Socceroos ensures their campaign will not be cut short, and many believe this may cause Tony Popovic to appoint a similar defensive style to what his team played against the USMNT, despite Paraguay being a weaker side.

On the other hand, La Albirroja will have to play an attacking game if they want any chance of securing a second-place finish. Failing this, they must not lose the fixture and will have to stay as defensively sound as possible to give themselves the best chance of qualifying as a third-place side.

History favours the Aussies in this particular match-up, as the Socceroos have never lost to Paraguay in their previous five fixtures, winning two and drawing three. It will be the first time the two nations have faced each other at a competitive level, with their most recent meeting taking place back in 2010.

Both countries have lost to the USA and beaten Turkiye so far, with Australia coming off the back of their opening games looking the slightly stronger side after only conceding two to the hosts.

However, Paraguay's last match against the Crescent Stars demonstrated the grit that made La Albirroja so successful in qualifying, and what many thought they would bring into their opening game against the States.

Gustavo Alfaro and Tony Popovic both play defensive styles, that aim to frustrate their opponent, and it will be interesting to see which nation takes charge of possession, or whether it turns out to be an end-to-end affair.

Paraguay will go into their final group game without veteran winger Miguel Almiron, after the 32-year-old became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth in a confrontation on the pitch, a new rule that was introduced for this year's World Cup.

It will be a huge blow for La Albirroja offensively, as Almiron's experience could have been crucial in a game that could secure Paraguay a place in the knockout rounds. H The former Newcastle forward is expected to be replaced by 25-year-old Mauricio, who will definitely inject some flair down the right-wing.

On the other side of the fixture, Tony Popovic will likely be without Mathew Leckie, as the 35-year-old sustained an injury in the Socceroos' 2-0 defeat to the USA. The experienced forward couldn't make an impact against a strong USA backline, and had to be brought off in the 60th minute.

It gives Popovic the opportunity to re-introduce Nestroy Irankunda into the starting lineup, which will please Aussie fans, after the 20-year-old was mysteriously dropped in the side's last game, despite his superb opening game display.

It is unlikely that either manager will change their system drastically going into the final group game, but Australia will surely see a starting lineup closer to that of their first game, after Popovic was heavily criticised for the changes he made against the hosts.

A goalless draw would suit both sides, and the game could certainly play out in a manner that makes this scoreline very likely. However, La Albirroja will have some momentum following their 1-0 victory over pre-tournament group favourites Turkiye, which may make them believe they can take the match by the scruff of the neck and go for a win.

For Australia, a draw would be enough to secure qualification and Popovic knows this, which could lead the Aussies to carry on their defensive approach into Friday's game, relying on Irankunda's pace to catch Paraguay out on the break.

Although many have predicted a 0-0 bore-fest from this match, I believe if Paraguay can nick an early goal, it may force the Socceroos' out of their rigid structure, and create a fascinating battle for second place in Group D.

Final Score: Paraguay 2 - 1 Australia