A 0-0 against Paraguay, and The Socceroos are through. 

Australia are officially into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, which on paper, is huge. But after watching that game...I’ve got questions. 

Yes, we got the job done. Yes, Popovic made tactical adjustments after the USA game. And defensively, you can’t argue - the Socceroos looked a lot more solid, a lot more controlled and a lot harder to break down. 

But going forward? I’m still not fully convinced. 

Irankunda started - which I asked for - but playing him as a false nine just didn’t feel right. Asking him to hold the ball up with his back to goal? That’s not his game.  

Jordy Bos though? Huge. 

His stock has absolutely gone through the roof after that performance. The way he drove forward, beat players, won fouls and carried Australia up the pitch… I’m not saying young Gareth Bale, but I’m also not not saying it. 

We also bring in John Bric, who was at the game in San Francisco, to talk through the atmosphere, the Green and Gold Army and what it actually felt like on the ground. Plus, the key performers and how the Socceroos are placed heading into the knockouts.  

Because now it gets very interesting. 

The Socceroos could face Egypt, Iran, New Zealand or Belgium in the round of 32. 

Some of those feel winnable. Some feel very, very dangerous. And if we get through that? Things could get even bigger. 

So yes, Australia are through. But are we actually good enough to win a knockout game? 

A 0-0 against Paraguay, and The Socceroos are through.&nbsp;
Australia are officially into the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup, which on paper, is huge. But after watching that game...I&rsquo;ve got questions.&nbsp;
Yes, we got the job done. Yes, Popovic made tactical adjustments after the USA game. And defensively, you can&rsquo;t argue - the Socceroos looked a lot more solid, a lot more controlled and a lot harder to break down.&nbsp;
But going forward? I&rsquo;m still not fully convinced.&nbsp;
Irankunda started - which I asked for - but playing him as a false nine just didn&rsquo;t feel right. Asking him to hold the ball up with his back to goal? That&rsquo;s not his game.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Jordy Bos though? Huge.&nbsp;
His stock has absolutely gone through the roof after that performance. The way he drove forward, beat players, won fouls and carried Australia up the pitch&hellip; I&rsquo;m not saying young Gareth Bale, but I&rsquo;m also not not saying it.&nbsp;
We also bring in John Bric, who was at the game in San Francisco, to talk through the atmosphere, the Green and Gold Army and what it actually felt like on the ground. Plus, the key performers and how the Socceroos are placed heading into the knockouts.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Because now it gets very interesting.&nbsp;
The Socceroos could face Egypt, Iran, New Zealand or Belgium in the round of 32.&nbsp;
Some of those feel winnable. Some feel very, very dangerous. And if we get through that? Things could get even bigger.&nbsp;
So yes, Australia are through. But are we actually good enough to win a knockout game?&nbsp;

He failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some expert guests he takes you through the biggest stories, the best goals and all the results from this year's World Cup.

This is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage and beyond. 

The Failed Footballer covers all the essentials football fans are searching for, including World Cup analysis, football match recaps, tactical breakdowns, and reactions to the biggest results. There’s a strong focus on the Socceroos, tracking Australia’s journey on the world stage, alongside key coverage of England and other international heavyweights. You’ll also get insight into emerging talent, football tactics, coaching decisions, and the storylines driving global conversation, making it a go-to football podcast for both hardcore fans and casual viewers.

New episodes drop twice a week, keeping you up to date with every major development across the World Cup and the wider football world, perfect for staying across results, analysis and talking points as they happen.

Each episode features a rotating lineup of former and current players, football legends, pundits and iconic voices from the game. These expert guests bring firsthand experience, unique insights and strong opinions, adding depth and credibility to every conversation.

If you enjoy football podcasts like The Rest Is Football, Football Weekly, Suited and Booted, or anything that blends match analysis with personality and strong takes, you’ll feel right at home here. OlanTekkers delivers the same mix of insight, humour and fan-driven energy, with his own unmistakable voice.

This show is not affiliated with FIFA or Football Australia

He failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some expert guests he takes you through the biggest stories, the best goals and all the results from this year's World Cup.
This is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage and beyond.&nbsp;
<hr><hr>
The Failed Footballer covers all the essentials football fans are searching for, including World Cup analysis, football match recaps, tactical breakdowns, and reactions to the biggest results. There&rsquo;s a strong focus on the Socceroos, tracking Australia&rsquo;s journey on the world stage, alongside key coverage of England and other international heavyweights. You&rsquo;ll also get insight into emerging talent, football tactics, coaching decisions, and the storylines driving global conversation, making it a go-to football podcast for both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
New episodes drop twice a week, keeping you up to date with every major development across the World Cup and the wider football world, perfect for staying across results, analysis and talking points as they happen.
Each episode features a rotating lineup of former and current players, football legends, pundits and iconic voices from the game. These expert guests bring firsthand experience, unique insights and strong opinions, adding depth and credibility to every conversation.
If you enjoy football podcasts like The Rest Is Football, Football Weekly, Suited and Booted, or anything that blends match analysis with personality and strong takes, you&rsquo;ll feel right at home here. OlanTekkers delivers the same mix of insight, humour and fan-driven energy, with his own unmistakable voice.
This show is not affiliated with FIFA or Football Australia

The Failed Footballer

Australia v Paraguay reactions: Jordy Bos shines, but where are the GOALS? 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/4a054925-ac61-4c4f-a4d7-b475004dc616/transcript