Australia arrive in encouraging form under Tony Popovic, having lost just one of their four matches since March. 

Wins over Cameroon and Curacao were followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mexico and a creditable 1-1 draw against Switzerland, with the Socceroos showing the defensive discipline that has become a hallmark of Popovic's tenure.

The tactician, in fact, signed an extension his contract on Friday which will take him through Australia's AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ campaign.

"We understand ⁠that not many people are expecting much from us, outside of our own people, our own media, our ⁠own ‌team, our own staff. But we're accustomed to that.

"We know we have a big ⁠challenge tomorrow against ​a formidable opponent, but it's the World Cup. We're ready. The boys are excited. Of course, we'd love to get off to a win - that's the target," Popovic said.

While Australia may lack star power, they make up for that with a wealth of experience and collective spirit and much will depend on goalkeeper and captain Mathew Ryan, while the attacking burden is expected to fall on the likes of Martin Boyle, Kusini Yengi and Craig Goodwin.