OK so here is where things stand heading into Matchday 3. I haven't looked at the overall 3rd places yet.
Specifically for Australia and New Zealand (since they are the two groups I'm really looking at - considering 2nd in those groups play each other - plus it has Aus and NZ)
On standard metrics, Australia would be in third heading into the final matchday - however as head to head is the primary tie-breaker now, the victory on opening day against Turkey puts them ahead (despite being down on overall goals scored to Turkey). Essentially, this means a draw against Paraguay should seal knockouts for Socceroos (as 4 is generally enough to be in the best 8 of 12 third place nations), but would be enough for them to advance as runners up should Turkey not defeat USA on the final day.
Onto Group G, and the All Whites head to the final day against Belgium with a lot on the line. A draw will consign them to third place in the group, although would most likely mean they still progress (see comments re: 4 points above). A win will guarantee that they finish second, as Iran is guaranteed top spot by virtue of victories over Belgium AND New Zealand.
As things stand, this is the third placed rankings heading into the final day:
Should New Zealand defeat Belgium AND Australia not lose to Paraguay AND USA not lose to Turkey, then the Round of 32 will see Australia face New Zealand in Dallas (I think I have my calculations correct there).
Of note, with the simulation, I can't gauge how many cards each team has - so I am not recording these, and will have to skip over the Disciplinary Record in the tie-breakers, meaning it will go straight from 'goals scored' to 'highest FIFA ranking'.
As for the golden boot so far?
Table below is sorted by Goals > Nation A-Z > Name A-Z (unfortunately cant do minutes calculations like in real life)
