‘Aussie DNA’ will be crucial in Socceroos’ bid to beat Peru in do-or-die World Cup playoff

‘Off the cuff” Peru is the final hurdle for the Socceroos to overcome in their bid to qualify for the World Cup.

Socceroos Craig Goodwin (left) and Awer Mabil hope to be celebrating after Australia’s match against Peru. Picture: KARIM JAAFAR / AFP

A “grand final” mentality has the Socceroos prepared for anything the dangerously unpredictable Peru throws at them in the battle for a place at this year’s World Cup.

A qualifying campaign that has largely been condensed into 12 months due to the ramifications of Covid-19 will come to its conclusion on Tuesday morning (AEST) in Doha.

The equation couldn’t be any more straightforward for the Socceroos – beat Peru, whether it’s in normal time, extra-time or in a penalty shootout, and they will qualify for November 21-December 18 World Cup in Qatar.

Should the Australians lose, their bid for a fifth successive World Cup finals tournament appearance will be over.

Usually, such playoffs would be played over two legs on a home and away basis.

However, the rushed nature of the World Cup qualifiers – again due to Covid-19-caused problems – means this time it’s a one-off match at a neutral venue.

And that’s a scenario that suits the “Aussie DNA”, according to Socceroos coach Graham Arnold.

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“These games are now just one-off games, and we’ve been able to drive that ‘Aussie DNA’ of a one-off game (being) a final, a grand final – there are no second chances,” Arnold said.

“You get out there and leave everything on the park.

“No doubt, Peru being a South American country that qualified for the last World Cup ... is obviously a good side, but our strength is that hard work, but also getting in the opposition’s faces and don’t let them play.

“Take their strengths away from them, and make sure that we play to our strengths.”

Peru’s “strengths” are varied, which makes them a dangerous proposition.

“I’ve reviewed Peru on a number of occasions,” Arnold said.

“They’re a typical South American team. (With) their discipline, they’re all over the place.

“Sometimes they’ll have two wingers on the same side of the pitch, sometimes they’ll have two No.8s on the same side of the pitch, and they’re a bit off the cuff, but we have to adapt to that, and make sure that our communication is very good.

“A South American team ... they will throw a different challenge at us, but I do believe that the boys will be ready for it.”

Arnold said the only Socceroo definitely out of selection contention was Melbourne Victory left back Jason Davidson. who is suffering from a hamstring injury.

The right back spot is definitely up for grabs following Nathaniel Atkinson’s poor defensive display in Australia’s 2-1 playoff win over the United Arab Emirates last week, which has leaving the door open for Fran Karacic to replace him.

In the centre of defence, it’s hard to imagine Arnold splitting up Bailey Wright and Kye Rowles even if long-time servant Trent Sainsbury recovers from a knee injury.

“The one thing that we’d have to think about with Trent is that the last game he played was April 15,” Arnold said.

“He hasn’t really had a game since then, a full 90 minutes and obviously he’s had this injury.”

Arnold wouldn’t reveal whether the experiment of playing usual left winger Mathew Leckie at centre-forward would continue.

A-League Golden Boot Jamie Maclaren put his hand up for a starting recall with an impressive cameo off the bench against the UAE, while Mitch Duke, Nick D’Agostino and Adam Taggart, provided he can overcome a thigh injury, are other options in the central striking role.

“`Lecks’ did very well (at centre-forward) against the UAE. He chased and harassed the centre-backs, and did a fantastic job,” Arnold said.

“In my brain I know what (the forward line) is but I can’t share that with you.”

Originally published as ‘Aussie DNA’ will be crucial in Socceroos’ bid to beat Peru in do-or-die World Cup playoff