With two matches to play in our AFC Asian Qualifiers - Road to Qatar campaign, the race for automatic qualification spots in Group B are looking likely to go down to the last day. So what results do Australia need to secure their spot at the FIFA World Cup?
Victory against Japan and Saudi Arabia
Whenever the Socceroos step out to play a FIFA World Cup qualifier, the goal is always to win. Arnold's men have already endured tough away trips and faced tough opponents, with the mentality of taking three points, and nothing less.
For the side's last two qualifying matches, victory against the group's two toughest opponents, Japan and Saudi Arabia, must remain the players' objective. However, when it comes to the dynamic of the group, two victories will dramatically increase the Soccceroos' chances of qualifying for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The most important victory is in Sydney on March 24 against the Samurai Blue. A narrative in which the continent's two powerhouse nations face-off, with both requiring three points to qualify for Qatar, sets up possibly the largest qualifier seen on Australian soil since the famous Uruguay play-off in 2005.
The Socceroos' superior goal-difference over Japan would allow them to leap-frog Japan with a win. If the green and gold can secure a victory four days later against group leaders Saudi Arabia, then direct qualification is assured, unless Japan can manage six or more goals at home to a resolute Vietnam.
An added bit of motivation besides qualification is the possibility of topping the continent's toughest qualifying group, with the top three currently separated by just five points. While Graham Arnold's eyes will be fixed on Qatar and the FIFA World Cup only, dropped points in Saudi Arabia's last two matches may well see Australia jump ahead of the Green Falcons, as group leaders.
A win against Japan but points dropped to Saudi Arabia
This is where it starts to get a little trickier for Arnold's men, with fans potentially needing to prepare for an all-nighter, as other group results become crucial.
The result that points Australia in the best possible direction for qualification is three points against rivals Japan at home. Heading to the toughest trip in our last match, away to Saudi Arabia, you could possibly excuse any dropped points, but when it comes to our qualification, the equation is simple. Whatever result we get in Jeddah, Japan must fare worse in their match at home to Vietnam.
With the Japan match to be played four hours earlier, the Socceroos players and fans may already know what is required when the match in the Middle East kicks off. If Japan lose or draw, a point is all that Australia requires to qualify.
Dropped points against Japan but victory in Saudi Arabia
March 24 in Sydney's Olympic Stadium is not the last possible opportunity for the Socceroos to gain automatic qualification. Although everyone involved the Socceroos will be circling the Japan match as an absolute must-win, qualification can be achieved if a victory against the Samurai Blue is not forthcoming.
A draw in Sydney still leaves the Socceroos three-points adrift of Japan, which makes the last round equation simple. Japan must be defeated by Vietnam in Saitama, while Australia must win in Saudi Arabia.
Anything less, including a defeat in Sydney, and the Socceroos will be entering into a play-off campaign, similar to the 2017 campaign where they faced Syria and Honduras.
If points are dropped in both games, can we still qualify for Qatar?
While the side will never speak about worse case scenarios, the worst scenario still sees the Socceroos very much in the hunt for a fifth-straight FIFA World Cup appearance. The point away in Oman officially secured a position in the top-three of Group B. While Australia will be far more comfortable with an automatic qualification, dropped points to Saudi Arabia and Japan would unfortunately push Australia into an extended play-off campaign.
The first match-up will be against Asia's other third-placed nation (likely United Arab Emirates or Lebanon).
Should Australia overcome the initial challenge of Asian opposition, then the green and gold will head to Doha for a single-legged play-off decider against the fifth-placed side from South America. Regardless of that opponent, the match will prove to be box-office viewing, whether Australia play famous rivals Uruguay, tournament regulars Colombia and Chile, or the team that broke Kiwi hearts four years ago in Peru.