Australia drew 0-0 with Paraguay in their final group stage match at the FIFA World Cup, and midfielder Aiden O'Neill spoke to FIFA in the mixed zone afterward.

Aiden, you've essentially completed your mission. Can a 0-0 draw also be considered a victory?

You can't really call it that. It's only one point, but we're certainly pleased, and we hope everyone back home feels the same way.

You and Jackson Irvine set the tone in midfield from the start. Can you speak about the team's overall approach today?

I think it was very clear to everyone that we came here with a mission. Of course, we wanted to get three points, but we wouldn't be disappointed with one point.

How do you feel about the team's control of the game? Were there tense moments, or was it generally quite comfortable?

There were certainly some tense moments in the match; it's impossible not to have any. But we were very prepared and very focused. I think you could see that from the first minute. We created chances, defended well, passed well, and ultimately got the job done.

The team made six changes today, so the lineup was quite different. How do you think everyone played together on the pitch?

I think everyone played together very well. No matter how the coach adjusted things, I don't think it had too much impact on the team. Everyone knows their role, whether they're on the bench or starting—they know what to do. That's a credit to the whole squad.

The right wing looked very threatening in the first half. What's your assessment of their performance?

I think they connected very well and were very threatening. Both could drive forward with the ball. To be honest, I got Man of the Match, but Bos also deserved a chance at the award. But that's football.

How was Jordan Bos today?

I thought he was outstanding—a very talented player. You could see him creating lots of special moments for the team; he's truly very talented.

After the final whistle, there was a very special celebration on the pitch, and the coach also toasted with everyone to celebrate. How's the atmosphere in the team now? What did that feel like?

We knew before the match what getting one point or three points meant, so emotions were running high. Everyone could see how happy we were in that moment.

From the stands, the physical intensity in this match was very high. Can you describe what the intensity was like on the pitch? It felt like the opposition wasn't letting you play at your preferred pace easily.

I think this was two very strong teams in terms of physical contests. Many of us took hits to the head; I think I took a hard knock about 10 seconds after the match started, and Connor's wearing a large bandage too. You could see how much this match meant to both sides.

Will you be watching Group J's matches on TV tomorrow?

I think so.

You've qualified as group runners-up and will now head to Dallas, which gives you more time to prepare. How important was it to secure second place?

Very important. I don't think many people thought we could finish second in our group before the FIFA World Cup started, but that's the belief we had in this team.

Does qualifying as group runners-up feel more significant? It has nothing to do with the expanded format; even with 32 teams, you would have qualified.

Yes, that's true. We would have done it.

What do you need to do next? What areas does the team need to improve in to continue advancing in this tournament?

I think we need to be more clinical and more decisive when we get chances. If we can do that, we've already proven our defensive capabilities.

How did you feel when the final whistle went? Did you have any particular thoughts in those final moments?

Honestly, not many thoughts. I came straight here after the match ended. Of course, you see your family and supporters in the stands, and you see your teammates in the dressing room. It means a lot to us. We're also very grateful to everyone back home who's supporting us, and I'm sure they're enjoying this moment now too.

Have you contacted your family after the match?

Not yet.

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