It’s time to lock on: the Socceroos are into the round of 16 with a must-win match against Egypt early on Saturday. Today, our ‘football’ expert Josh Whittington is here with a bluffer’s guide: he’ll break down the unexpected delights of this World Cup, how the global superstars stack up and whether soccer is ready to truly take on league and Aussie Rules for Australians’ hearts.

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Commentary by Josh Whittington:

Skip the dance recital and ban the stutter-step: A fan’s survival guide to World Cup madness

This World Cup is like a school crosscountry run: fast-flowing, long-lasting and it is giving us a stitch

This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.