Australia’s Socceroos are aiming for a victory against Paraguay in their upcoming World Cup Round of 32 match, despite the possibility that a draw could see both teams advance. Defender Jason Geria rejected suggestions of settling for a draw with Paraguay, dismissing the idea of any informal agreement to "shake the game." Instead, Geria emphasized the team's competitive mindset, insisting the Socceroos are focused on winning regardless of the opponent or circumstances.

With the match scheduled for Friday, both Australia and Paraguay stand to progress if they share points. However, Geria insisted that team members, including defenders Harry Souttar, Jordan Bos, Alessandro Circati, and midfielder Jacob Italiano, do not intend to hold back despite the risk of suspension from yellow card accumulation ahead of the knockout stages.

“You can’t play with a handbrake up,” Geria said, acknowledging the challenge of balancing caution with intensity. “You have a yellow card, you have it in the back of your mind but you still need to go out there and play to the maximum. You have to be smart as well but these guys are professionals.”

Behind the scenes, the families of the 26 players representing Australia at the World Cup are sharing the journey in full support. These relatives, hailing from diverse backgrounds across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, have formed a tight-knit group competing in spirit alongside the team. The group has been traveling through host cities—including Vancouver, Seattle, and now San Francisco—where they have taken part in social activities such as tours, baseball games, shopping trips, and barbecues at the team hotel.

Gianfranco Circati, father of defender Alessandro Circati and a former professional footballer himself, praised the experience of seeing his son compete on sport’s biggest stage. He described the World Cup as the pinnacle of a soccer player’s career and acknowledged the pride shared by all the families involved. Gianfranco, who moved from Italy to Australia in 1990, also highlighted the importance of giving his son space and support rather than coaching advice during this tournament.

The families are provided special access at matches, sitting behind the Australian bench and sharing moments of celebration or consolation with players after games. The Socceroos opened a recent training session in Oakland for family and friends, all of whom donned the gold colors of the national team. Geria said this support “means the world to us” as Australia pursues success in the knockout stages of the competition.