Aussie fans rally ahead of Sept 5 in Melbourne

Remember 2005? How could we forget?

Anyone who was at Sydney's Olympic Stadium on November 16, 2005 will have the experiences of that night etched indelibly into their memory banks.

When John Aloisi fired home THAT winning penalty and set off on his shirtless sprint down the touchline, 83-000 fans joined him in utter ecstasy.

After 32 years of hurt, Australia were headed back to football's biggest stage.

Ask anyone who was there that night how it felt.

These fans will tell you.  VIDEO: Socceroos fans on 'that night'

Their eyes sparkle and the goose-bumps rise on their arms as they relive what many still call Australian football's greatest night.

Fans at the 2005 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Australia and Uruguay.

Many won't remember what they had for lunch yesterday, but they'll recall in vivid detail the marvellous moments that made up that magical night twelve years ago.

And after spending time with some of the faithful fans of the Socceroos last month, I felt utterly proud and pumped up once again.  

WATCH: Socceroos fans on 'that night'

On September 5, that euphoric feeling could return.

The Caltex Socceroos are in a dogfight to book their place at Russia 2018.

Three teams locked together at the top of their qualifying group.

Two automatic spots available.

One chance to cheer the Caltex Socceroos to Russia 2018 on home soil.

The Caltex Socceroos celebrate taking a first-half lead in their FIFA Confederations Cup clash against Chile.

Regardless of what happens in the Caltex Socceroos' away game against Japan on August 31, they won't secure their World Cup qualification.

Even a win in Saitama might not be enough.

Similarly, a loss or draw in Japan won't rule Australia out.

It may all hinge on what happens at AAMI Park on "Thai Tuesday".

Occasions like this don't come along very often, so when they do, you'd be mad to be anywhere else.

Because who would want to miss a night like that?

Socceroos v Thailand panel