“In 2018, we had players like Tim Cahill, Mile Jedinak and Mark Milligan who were key for us but who have all since retired,” said Arnold.

“But now we have got some young players who have come through the system and are now playing abroad. They brought fresh blood into a side that was aging but is now younger. They played in the [Tokyo 2020] Olympics and experienced beating Argentina 2-0, so they have the confidence of playing against the very best.

"South American football overall is technically good, unpredictable. We have to be ready for everything Peru throw at us. I believe in our players. My message for them has been crystal clear; for us, this is a final. The most important thing is that the players know their job, they have to do it the Aussie way which is to fight for 90 minutes and be physical. I think the Peruvians will also be surprised by our technical quality."

After missing out on FIFA World Cup places through intercontinental playoffs on three occasions, losing to Scotland, Argentina and IR Iran in 1986, 1994 and 1998 respectively, the Socceroos have been successful in each of their last two intercontinental playoff ties; in 2006, two heroic penalty shootout saves from Mark Schwarzer secured victory against Uruguay to send them to Germany, and 12 years later It was a Mile Jedinak hat-trick against Honduras that sealed Australia’s place in Russia 2018.

And having beaten the UAE in the AFC Asian Qualifiers Playoff 2-1 thanks to goals from Jackson Irvine and Ajdin Hrustic, the Socceroos will take to the field at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium with prior experience of playing there, unlike their opponents, which Arnold sees as a possible advantage.

“We have been here in Doha for two weeks. The longest training camp I’ve had with the players since I took the job. We had a friendly against Jordan and the AFC Playoff against the UAE. We are very familiar with the Middle East because we are part of Asia and also because we played our qualifiers games here in Qatar during the time of COVID-19.

“It’s a completely different experience [to play in air-conditioned stadiums] and there is a different feeling when we go into the pitch. The fact that Peru have not experienced this is an advantage to us. It’s a wonderful occasion to be able to play in such fantastic stadiums.”

Peru’s Ricardo Gareca, in turn, warned his side against the physical threat of the Socceroos, but remained adamant his players have what it takes to overcome Australia.

“Australia are a well-worked team that know what they want on the pitch,” said the 64-year-old who has been in charge of Peru since 2015.

“Physically they are a strong team, but so are we. We are in a position to match their physical strength. We have been together for seven years and we want to keep growing. We know how hard the road has been and we're ready for this match.

“We must have a lot of determination and concentration. We are in a position to be able to neutralise Australia. This is the moment we want to live, the work we have been doing throughout the Qualifiers and this is what we are looking for.”

Australia v Peru
Venue: Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium (Doha)
Kick-off: 21:00 (UTC+5)

Photos: AFP