With the Socceroos one match away from the World Cup knockout rounds, employers are being urged to embrace football fever.

Bob Hawke’s wise words are ringing out as the Socceroos prepare to play a World Cup game entirely in Australian working hours for the first time

Live sites, pubs and parks are expecting hordes of Sydneysiders to brave the rain on Friday as the city tunes in to Australia’s final group-stage game at noon.