Australia will aim to reassert its presence as Asian champion by defeating Japan on Tuesday, when the confederation's two heavyweights clash in an early showdown of the World Cup final qualifying round.
The Socceroos under Ange Postecoglou have continued to build on their Asian Cup triumph in January 2015 and currently lead Group B in the final qualifiers for Russia 2018, with seven points from three games.
Australia drew 2-2 at Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, but only after a late lapse allowed the hosts to pull level in a contest Postecoglou's men largely controlled.
While Japan has struggled in the campaign so far, Australia know Tuesday's game is there for the taking and that if it can secure all three points, it will give it a big push toward automatic qualification for its fourth successive World Cup.
"We played some big games in the past, going back to the 2006 World Cup where (Tim Cahill) scored two goals to set up a platform for a rivalry between the two teams," Australia midfielder Robbie Kruse said on Sunday.
"It's going to be a massive game. It's always good to see the top two teams in the confederation play each other. Everyone's going to be watching. If we play the way the boss wants us to, we can really stamp our authority in Asia. . .."