sport news How the Socceroos can pull off mission impossible and make the World Cup by ... trends now
The Socceroos are just one win away from qualifying for a fifth successive World Cup - or they will be left heartbroken next Tuesday after falling at the final hurdle.
Standing in their way is a significant sporting obstacle in the form of Peru, who finished fifth in the South American standings behind the likes of Brazil and Argentina.
After 18 games they also shaded the more fancied Colombia and Chile, proving they are anything but novices in the world game.
The football-mad nation will be widely expected to outclass Graham Arnold's squad in the intercontinental play-off and progress to the biggest sporting event on the planet later this year in Qatar - and that degree of entitlement may play into Australia's hands.
Just ask retired Uruguay great Alvaro Recoba, who fired up the Socceroos and many fans after stating it was his nation's 'divine right' to qualify at Australia's expense back in November of 2005.
History shows it was anything but divine for the one-time Inter Milan attacking attacking midfielder, who quickly became public enemy number one after his arrogant comments.
The Socceroos are just one win away from qualifying for a fifth successive World Cup - or they will be left heartbroken next Tuesday after falling at the final hurdle (pictured, veteran midfielder Aaron Mooy)
Mat Leckie is another player who looms as a key figure in the playoff versus Peru on June 14
Recoba was then sent home red-faced after John Aloisi's famous penalty in the shootout sealed Australia's passage to the 2006 World Cup in Germany - ending an agonising 32 year wait.
Peru, ranked 22 in the FIFA world standings, wouldn't have been exactly trembling in their boots after watching Australia struggle to beat the United Arab Emirates 2-1 on Wednesday morning in Doha.
It was a nervous performance, with a late strike from Ajdin Hrustic the difference at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
In contrast, the Peruvians have a galaxy of stars who can
