We count down to kick-off in Santa ClaraBy Latest Posts7.05amThe half-time update from our early morning matchesBy Back to the live action for a moment, where it’s half-time in New York and Philadelphia.Not much has changed since we last gave you an update, with Germany and Ecuador still locked 1-1, and Ivory Coast still leading Curacao 1-0.With two wins already, Germany has qualified for the round of 32 – regardless of what happens today – but today’s results are crucial for Ecuador and Curacao, who need wins to qualify for the round of 32.Here’s what the group looks like at the moment.6.54amThe ‘socialist utopia’ Australians started in ParaguayBy How much do you know about Australia’s history with Paraguay?I’m not talking about football history. I’m talking about history, history.The reason I bring it up is that my great colleague Emma Kemp (who is yet to log on, so don’t go thinking she’s plugging her own story) has written a fantastic piece on the “socialist utopia” that Australians started in Paraguay in 1893. It’s the perfect Friday morning read ahead of the Socceroos match against Paraguay at 12pm.If you want to do it the old school way, go buy a coffee and the newspaper and turn to page 41 in the sport section.Otherwise, you can read all about it here. New Australia leader and socialist propagandist William Lane attempted to create his own version of a perfect society in Paraguay. Aresna Villanueva6.45amWho the best third-place finishers are ... for nowBy Many teams face a nervous wait today, as they hold on to see if they’ve made the “lucky eight”.With the expanded World Cup format, the round of 32 will include the top two teams from each group as well as the eight best third-place finishers.My beloved Scotland (beloved because I got them in the work sweep) is one of those nations, but today will probably cause a shake-up to the order.As things stand, with 12 nations to play today, these are the current best third-place finishers.6.35amWhat might await Socceroos and how they can advanceBy Nick Ralston With the final group stage matches under way, Australia’s chances of progressing through to the knockout stages will fluctuate with every goal. But the situation remains that their World Cup fate is very much in their own hands.Sports analytics company Opta now has them as a 92 per cent chance of making the round of 32.Win: A second-place finish would have Australia play their round of 32 match in Dallas on July 4 (AEST) against the runner-up of Group G. Belgium is second in Group G at present, after being held to draws in their matches against Iran and Egypt – the Europeans play New Zealand in their final match. The other match is Egypt against Iran, and it is possible that any team in this group could finish second.6.25amWhat’s happening in the 6am matches?By Let’s catch up quickly on the matches that are now under way because they are crazy.It’s Germany and Ecuador going head-to-head in New York at present, while Curacao and the Ivory Coast are playing in Philadelphia.In the opening nine minutes – across both of those matches – we had three goals.Ecuador fans in the stands.Getty ImagesIn New York, it was Germany’s Leroy Sane who scored the opener in the second minute. I bet Germany were pretty chuffed about that. But Ecuador hit back through Nilson Angulo in the ninth minute, and the score in that match reads 1-1 after 24 minutes.6.16amItaliano ruled out of Paraguay showdownBy Vince RugariOne player you won’t see take to the pitch today is defender Jacob Italiano, who was ruled out yesterday with a groin injury.Unfortunately, Italiano is expected to miss the rest of the tournament, further exposing the lack of available depth in what has been the team’s long-term problem position.It’s the second forced change that Popovic will need to make to his starting line-up, with Mathew Leckie (hamstring) also unable to back up from Australia’s 2-0 defeat to the United States.Read more about Italiano’s injury here.Pinned post from 6.08amWe count down to kick-off in Santa ClaraBy 6.00amWelcome By Good morning, Socceroos fans, and welcome to another day of our World Cup coverage.It’s a big day for Tony Popovic and his Socceroos, who play Paraguay in the third and final of their group stage matches at 12pm today.The Socceroos play Paraguay at 12pm on Friday.Graphic: Aresna VillanuevaBillie Eder here to take you through all the action this morning as we count down to kick-off, with Frances Howe and Emma Kemp joining me a little later.Once again, we have Vince Rugari and Nick Ralston on the ground in the US to bring you insights and news from the stadium in Santa Clara.We have four matches to bring you until then, along with plenty of news from Socceroos camp to quench your football thirst.Let’s get cracking.1 of 1