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.

Tony Popovic’s side will rue their missed chances against Saudi Arabia in their crucial World Cup qualifier at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

Tony Popovic’s side will rue their missed chances against Saudi Arabia in their crucial World Cup qualifier at Melbourne’s AAMI Park.

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...