Australia know nothing but a win will do when they host Kyrgyzstan in a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier on Thursday.
The Socceroos find themselves second in Group B with nine points from four matches, four behind leaders Jordan, who have played a game more. Their opponents in Canberra on Thursday are just a point behind them, even if they have played an extra match.
Australia, though, will not take Kyrgyzstan lightly, considering they only escaped with a narrow 2-1 win in the reverse fixture. Kyrgyzstan believe that result gives them the confidence that they can go on and beat Australia in their own backyard.
"Even if we hadn't have scored that goal in the match against Australia at home we would still feel ourselves quite confident," Kyrgyzstan coach Aeksandr Krestinin was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press. "I would like to mention also that our team, in that particular match, didn't really seem weaker.
"Our football players in Kyrgyzstan are very talented, they have lots of potential and I believe they will have a bright future."
For the here and now, though, it is all about the three points. A win for Australia will take them to within a point of Jordan, while creating a bit more daylight with the rest of the chasing pack. Three points for Kyrgyzstan and they will be in control of their own destiny.
One big boost for the Socceroos going into this match is the return of the experienced midfielder and skipper Mile Jedinak, who missed the last three qualifiers through injury. Australia manager Ange Postecoglou believes Jedinak's experience will be vital in this World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan.
"The one thing you can't fast track is experience," Postecoglou said.
"A lot these of guys, it is the first World Cup qualifying campaign. Mile has been through it before and he is the captain. To have him back is great, and to have him back in the angry mood that he is in [having missed all those games] is even better."
Where to Watch Live
Australia vs Kyrgyzstan 2018 World Cup qualifier is scheduled for an 8 pm local time (2.30 pm IST, 9 am GMT, 4 am ET) start with no live TV coverage of the match in India.
Audience in Australia can watch the match live on Fox Sports 4 and SBS One, while the live streaming online option is on Foxtel.
Viewers in the Middle East and North Africa can flip their remotes to Bein Sports Arabia to watch the action live, while the live stream option is on Bein Sports Connect. CCTV 5 will broadcast the World Cup qualifier live in China.
Audience from around the world can also catch the match live on Bet365 Online.
