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All eyes on Peru for excited Socceroos

3 minute read

Socceroos forward Jamie Maclaren says he and his teammates are ready to seize their chance when they face Peru in next week's World Cup play-off.

JAMIE MACLAREN.
JAMIE MACLAREN. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

One down, one to go.

That's the simple equation for Socceroos forward Jamie Maclaren as Australia began their preparations for next week's World Cup play-off against Peru.

After enjoying a day off following Tuesday's (Wednesday AEST) 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates, Australia got back into the swing of things in Qatar on Thursday.

Graham Arnold's team returned to training at a new venue, Doha's Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, as they focus on overcoming the more fancied South Americans to secure a spot at a fifth-straight World Cup finals.

Injured defender Trent Sainsbury (knee) didn't participate in the session while Adam Taggart (thigh) did light duties as Australia got to use the official World Cup ball, called the Al Rihla, for the first time.

Maclaren said despite the happiness at overcoming the UAE, celebrations had been kept to a minimum given the job he and his teammates came to Qatar to complete is only half-finished.

"You could say that was a semi-final and this is the cup final," Maclaren told AAP.

"We've got some big players who've stepped up in big moments and we've also got some players who have done really well.

"In terms of the other night the back four were superb. Maty Ryan stands up when we need him. Everyone's having a role to play.

"Big moments, big games, and that's what we want to play in.

"We've seen it as young kids growing up, watching the Socceroos do it, and now - it's weird to say - but we're in that moment now.

"It's up to us ... we've got this far and we look to go again."

Maclaren didn't start against the UAE but did come off the bench in the second half to dangerous effect, forcing a good save with a sharp shot moments before Ajdin Hrustic's 84th-minute winner.

The Melbourne City striker believes whatever his role is in Monday's (Tuesday AEST) game, he's backing himself to deliver if he's the man presented with the big chance to fire Australia into the World Cup finals.

"I always say to the boys just put it in the box, I'll be there," he said.

"Look, it's down to all of us to really create those chances and create those moments and also the guys, the defensive-minded players, to really stop those big moments for Peru

"We've got very good defenders and we know that if they can keep it as low scoring as possible, then we've got guys down the other end that can be dangerous and score goals."

Maclaren was also part of Australia's 2018 World Cup squad when Peru claimed a 2-0 group stage win over the Socceroos in Russia and the world No.22 will be favourites for the clash.

The 28-year-old is confident the Socceroos will not die wondering however.

"It's massive, I don't want to put too much stress on it because it's just another game, but it is a game that is a must win. Let's be honest," he said.

"It's do-or-die, all-or-nothing, all these sort of quotes you want to say.

"It's come down to 90 minutes against Peru and we know they're a good team, but we're also a good team.

"We can't wait, we'll get some bodies back also and we'll go in there with a very strong squad."

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