The Socceroos can put their hopes of direct World Cup qualification back firmly in their own hands with a victory over Saudi Arabia in Melbourne.

The Socceroos will need to defy recent results against Saudi Arabia to win their World Cup qualifier in Melbourne.

The Socceroos will need to defy recent results against Saudi Arabia to win their World Cup qualifier in Melbourne.

A familiar foe to Australian football, new Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard will attempt to bring the Socceroos undone in their huge World Cup...

A familiar foe to Australian football, new Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard will attempt to bring the Socceroos undone in their huge World Cup...

With a parochial Melbourne crowd at their backs, the Socceroos are ready for whatever Saudi Arabia throw at them in their huge World Cup qualifier.

With a parochial Melbourne crowd at their backs, the Socceroos are ready for whatever Saudi Arabia throw at them in their huge World Cup qualifier.

Herve Renard, who coached France at last year’s Women’s World Cup, has returned to haunt Australia ahead of Thursday night’s crucial showdown...

History isn't on the Socceroos' side ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

History isn't on the Socceroos' side ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.