SANTA CLARA, United States, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Paraguay manager Gustavo Alfaro remained hopeful his team had done enough to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage after its goalless draw with Australia on Thursday.
The result at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium secured Australia's place in the last 32 but Paraguay's fate will hinge on the results of other games.
"Now we have to wait," Alfaro told a post-match news conference. "There is some uncertainty about whether we qualify. We wanted to win, but I'm very optimistic. I believe we will reach the knockout stage and continue in the tournament."
Australia finished second in Group D with four points, ahead of Paraguay on goal difference.
Under the World Cup's expanded 48-team format, the eight best third-ranked sides will reach the next phase of the competition.
Alfaro acknowledged Australia was the stronger side for much of the contest, noting Tony Popovic's team was hard to match up against.
"The opponent made things very difficult," the Argentine said. "They are very strong defensively. They are quick, physically imposing and very good in the air. They know how to use space and play wide. Australia has very good players and some of them are extremely fast."
He added: "We improved in the second half but it was still hard to find spaces to attack down the flanks. It wasn't the result we wanted, but that's how it went." ■
