1. Mind your manners
When Australia’s away from the pitch, it’s polite to barrack for the host country, Brazil – handily the odds-on favourite. Go for gold with guava jam and cheese-filled pastries from Feast. Make the pop tarts ahead of time – freeze if preferred – and deep-fry as Brazil’s able-bodied players warm up.
2. Wake up hungry
It was a hot and heavy face-off between Brazil and Mexico this morn, shame about the tally board. Stir yourself from slumber with Tex-mex munchies, like this pork schnitzel sandwich, and prepare for El Tri's next attractive, ahem, arresting game.
3. Cheer for “Chicharito” with an icy-cold chaser
Wash down those sliders with Mexican-style beer Bloody Mary. Striker Javier Hernandez – affectionately known as “Chicharito” – will be keen for less bench time in the team's final match. So charge your glasses with our tart, spicy drink and wish Jay all the best!
4. Don’t underestimate the Dutch
The Netherlands came second to Spain in the 2010 World Cup and this time, the guys want revenge. They walloped Spain 5-1, and will take on Australia next. If you’re of Dutch descent, or just into treason, savour a slice of farmer’s omelette with the super-early game.
5. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!
Rally the troops in front of the TV and prepare for a fight! It’s bound to be a tough one, so keep up your spirits with a glass of rum iced coffee and wear national pride on your plate… in the form of ham and chive breakfast scrolls. Prepare these goodies ahead of time, pop them in the oven at kick-off and hoe in at half time.
6. Take a Spaniard’s advice
The defending champions go head-to-head with Chile on Thursday. The secret to their success? Practice, patience and hearty, transportable snacks. We think this bacon, egg and chorizo bread fits the bill. Prepare this the night before and pop it in the oven when you wake up.
7. Give a sugar-coated performance
The Croatian team might be known as The Fiery Ones, but we think The Fried Ones is a far better fit. Like these fried pastries from Feast, the players are golden, sweet and a nice accompaniment to coffee. The pastry batter requires just five ingredients, but remember to let it rest for 50 minutes pre-game.
8. Swap tricky for sticky
Come Friday, it’s a Colombia and Côte d'Ivoire showdown. If you’re on the former’s side, snack on a gooey, double fried plantain, mozzarella and jam sandwich and cross your fingers for victory. With the loss of injury-ridden star player, Radamel Falcao, it’s going to be tricky.
9. Don’t Rooney your chances
Aim for Premier League on your plate with Eccles cakes from Feast. These pie-like currant pastries have a better chance of securing a Golden Goal than famed English striker Wayne Rooney, who’s failed to score in eight appearances at the World Cup finals.
10. Free kick fritters
The Three Lions (that’s England, guys) clash with La Garra Charrúa, aka Uruguay, this week. The South American side might be sulking from their 3-1 loss to Costa Rica, but if anything will pull them through, it’s these banana fritters. Set up a screen in your kitchen and fry up a batch for yourself.
11. Gyoza at the goal line
We could all learn a thing or two from Japan. After the Blue Samurais loss to Côte d'Ivoire last week, Japanese fans cleaned up the stadium. Respect. The nation also created gyoza, a veritable god in the snack world. Serve a plate for their match against Greece – courteously, of course.
12. Prevent a Greek tragedy
On the other side of the field, Greece’s coach Fernando Santos will be praying for a win. Score your own victory with currant, honey and walnut-coated tiganites. Arguably the first documented pancakes in the world, these sugar-filled treats will assist any strike force.
13. Keep the ball in play
Italy faces off Costa Rica on Saturday, and the 2006 champs are keen to make a comeback. If, like recently engaged striker Mario Balotelli, you want to practice your ball-handling, we recommend this recipe for tomato, saffron and mozzarella arancini by Berta chef O Tama Carey.
14. And if your team ends up trounced…
Don’t cry, eat cake. You’ll have plenty of thanks when you pass around these chocolate molten doughnuts from the food dept. – they’re a cinch to make, even with tears trickling down your cheek. Dust with cocoa and icing sugar, or serve with ice-cream for further sorrow drowning.
