After four games out of six on the road in some tough places and trying conditions, Caltex Socceroos striker Robbie Kruse said the Aussies are relishing a home tie on Tuesday night with UAE in Sydney.
A weary Australian squad arrived back in Sydney on Saturday morning fresh from their arduous 1-1 draw with Iraq in Tehran on Thursday.
The UAE clash at Allianz is one of the most important in recent history with the Australians three points off the top two automatic spots.
A win and favourable results elsewhere will push the Australians right back into the mix for automatic qualification, with three out of the final four qualifiers on Aussie soil.
HOME SUPPORT MASSIVE
“It’s massive,” he said when asked about a huge home support as the 12th man.
“I don’t think people quite grasp the difficult in playing away from home. Particularly when the players are travelling in from all over the world and starting their seasons at different times.
“The three earlier away games were in extremely hot conditions. And this one [against Iraq in Tehran] was the opposite on a difficult field.
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“It’s difficult. It’s always been difficult qualifying through Asia so hopefully we can the home fans to support in this next game, and continue to play the football the coaches want us to play.
"And hopefully we get the result we need."
Australia will train on Sunday at a fan day in North Sydney.
The UAE will have their first session in Sydney later today.
The Caltex Socceroos tackle UAE in a crucial World Cup Qualifier in Sydney on March 28. Click here for tickets