The Socceroos and Japan this week fell at the Round of 32, which was disappointingly as far as any of the AFC’s nine representatives made it at the World Cup. The Asian Game’s Paul Williams returns to diagnose just why the ambitions of those in the confederation collectively fell so flat.

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The BBC’s Simon Stone then reviews England’s epic encounter with Mexico at the Azteca, which breathlessly rattled from incident to incident and ultimately saw the Three Lions escape the scene of their greatest torment with a famous victory.

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The Socceroos realigned their World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw over Paraguay, sealing passage to the knockout stages for the third time. Tony Popovic’s side now face Egypt; Network 10’s Teo Pellizzeri returns to assess the state of play as both nations look to make history with a first win beyond the group stages.

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Thomas Tuchel’s England shot out of the blocks in their opening match against Croatia, but then found the going tougher against less-fancied Ghana and Panama. Martin Tyler has watched England at World Cups as closely as anyone down the years; what chance a reprise of 1966?

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Then to Africa, where Cabo Verde are undefeated through matches against former winners Spain and Uruguay! BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens has helped us chart the rise of the Blue Sharks in recent years, and joins us at their most historic moment yet.

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The USA were much too strong for the Socceroos in Seattle, the 2-0 result putting them on track to win the group and give themselves the best chance of a gentle passage into the knockout stages. Jeremiah Oshan (Sounder At Heart) watched the World Cup come to his home and stage an almighty showpiece event, and he now joins us to reflect.

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The Socceroos have shocked Türkiye with a consummate performance in their World Cup opener but while the nation rejoices, in-house the squad will have quickly shifted their focus to the USA. Jonathan Tannenwald (The Philadelphia Inquirer) is travelling with Team USA, and there is no better time to catch up once more.

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We then welcome back another old friend; Croatia have performed admirably in recent tournaments, but can they go again? The Guardian’s Aleksandar Holiga returns, with Zlatko Dalic’s side to open their tournament against England on Thursday.

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