Veteran Australia international Tim Cahill is expecting a "tough game" against Syria in the first leg of their Asian World Cup qualifying tie, but is eager to get the job done and secure a place in the intercontinental playoff.
The 37-year-old is focused on the task at hand -- ensuring Australia don't miss the showpiece tournament for the first time since coming up short for a place in the 2002 finals.
The Socceroos qualified for the second time in 2006, coming through a playoff against Uruguay, and Cahill believes he can use that experience this coming week.
"The Uruguay game brings back some memories," Cahill said. "But the biggest thing for us is embracing this challenge of having to come to Malaysia to play Syria.
"We're under no illusions -- it's going to be a tough game. It's the cut-throat time. If we don't win over these two games, we're out.
"Yes, you want to go through in the group but you also understand how difficult it is to qualify and how ruthless this stage can be for us.
"We also know we have enough to do the job. It's over two legs, so it's an exciting time for us.
"We really want to dictate the game tomorrow and dominate the ball and win, then take them back to Australia in a few days and finish the job off properly."
Should Cahill start on Thursday, he will wear the armband in captain Mile Jedinak's absence; if he doesn't, regular stand-in Mark Milligan will assume that role.
But Ange Postecoglou stressed he was yet to make a decision on who would spearhead the attack, with Tomi Juric the regular starter and Israeli-based Nikita Rukavytsya also recalled after a long hiatus.
"I feel great," said Cahill, who will miss Melbourne City's A-League season-opener against Brisbane Roar on Friday. "If selected, I'm ready."
The winners of the tie between Australia and Syria will play the fourth-placed team in CONCACAF next month for a place at the finals.