The Socceroos are heading to the knockout stages hoping to “do something special” after scampering into the World Cup’s last 32 with a tense scoreless draw against Paraguay in their final group game.

Australia will head to Dallas to face the Group G runners-up – either Belgium, Egypt, Iran or New Zealand – after finishing second in Group D.

The Socceroos needed a win or draw in Santa Clara on Thursday (Friday AEST), while Paraguay (four points) should be one of the best third-placed finishers to also progress ahead of Turkey.

In finishing second, rather than third, Australia also avoids a do-or-die match-up with heavyweights Germany or France.

“Just unbelievable, unbelievable. Just so proud of everyone involved – the staff, the players, just a wonderful young group of men,” jubilant coach Tony Popovic told SBS.

“Now we go to Dallas and we’ll try and do something special.”

Popovic was rewarded for bold selection calls, which included starting Nestory Irankunda and Cristian Volpato – and six total changes to the line-up that lost 2-0 to the United States.

Athough Australia dominated, it could not find its way through a tenacious Paraguay defence – but won’t care after reaching the knockouts at back-to-back World Cups for the first time.

Irankunda looked dangerous starting the match. Photo: AAP

The Socceroos will eagerly await Friday’s matches between New Zealand (one point) and Belgium (two), plus Egypt (four) and Iran (two) that will determine their next opponents.

Popovic said earning an extra day’s rest before their next game was also crucial.

“It’s important for us. These boys are building. They’re trying to get fitter and stronger and the eight days gives us a chance to recover properly, get them all healthy, strong, available, and ready for the next challenge,” he said.

Popovic called upon Irankunda, Volpato, Connor Metcalfe, Lucas Herrington, Jackson Irvine and Aziz Behich.

Australia were on top early, dominating possession, with the magnificent Jordan Bos aggressive and dynamic as Jacob Italiano’s replacement at right wing-back, with Behich starting on the left.

Irvine was imperious in midfield alongside Aiden O’Neill, strong on the ball and in the air, while Herrington, Australia’s youngest ever World Cup starter on his tournament debut, was unflappable in defence.

Australia next head to Dallas for the round of 32. Photo: AAP

In 58 minutes, Volpato was exciting, linking up with Bos on the right, breaking into little pockets and troubling Paraguay’s defence.

Irankunda, who replaced Mohamed Toure, toiled hard as a back-to-goal striker and caused flashes of chaos.

In the fourth minute, Bos found Volpato who cut back for Irvine to force a save from Orlando Gill at his near post.

Volpato went on a wonderful run into the box in the 12th and arguably could have gone down under contact, while he teed up Bos for a shot that was saved in the 36th.

In first-half added time, Bos found Volpato on the overlap and the winger cut onto his left and forced a save.

Irankunda wanted a penalty in the 49th minute, but it wasn’t forthcoming.

Paraguay had their first shot on target a minute later through Mauricio, but Patrick Beach comfortably claimed it.

Bos made terrific runs into the box in the 83rd and 90th minutes, but fired one straight at the South Americans’ goalkeeper and the other wide.

Stressing out Popovic, Mauricio forced Beach into an added-time save.

“The one at the end was the first time that I really looked at the clock and thought, ‘Please, blow the whistle’. But I think overall we deserved it,” Popovic said.

“We were very good today. Just a wonderful performance.”

Tete Yengi was denied a chance to be Australia’s hero at the death, but it didn’t matter as Socceroos fans around the globe rejoiced.

Melbourne’s Federation Square was packed for the Socceroos match. Photo: AAP

Thousands of Socceroos supporters poured into official live sites on Friday to soak up the atmosphere among fellow diehards ahead of the national team’s World Cup clash.

Federation Square in Melbourne was a lockout after 10am as a sea of green and gold grew rapidly. The site wasn’t set to open until 10.30am, but time was pushed forward by an hour due to demand.

What followed was barriers knocked over as thousands of fans, mostly young men, streamed inside the gates.

It is unclear whether planned intensive security checks were able to happen as the crowd streamed through the entrance.

At least one flare made it through security, with fans cheering as it was let off not long after 11am.

Just after 10am, fans were told to make their way to nearby AAMI Park as Federation Square had reached capacity.

Inside, soccer fans young and old, mostly teenagers who should be at school for the last day of term, gathered to experience the “atmosphere” of watching with a crowd.

The teens, wearing a mixture of green and gold, black tracksuits and some wearing the Australian flag as a cape, were relatively well behaved, cheering and chanting as others bounced beach balls around the crowd.

Year 10 students Adrian, Jaxon, Ben and Xavier said they skipped school so they could be a part of the day, something their parents weren’t aware of.

Another group of teens Atticus, Milla and Jonah said they had come to Federation Square with their parents’ blessing given it was the last day of school term, and said they couldn’t wait to cheer the Aussies home.

There was a noticeable police presence, with many officers wearing protective sunglasses and black helmets, watching the crowd from a distance.

Elsewhere, Tumbalong Park in Sydney’s Darling Harbour was the city’s flagship live site while Brisbane-based Socceroos faithful gathered at South Bank and Northbridge Piazza.

–AAP