Tom Rogic faces a tense couple of days that could see Australia’s World Cup destiny take in a play-off with Syria or Uzbekistan.
Thursday’s 2-0 defeat away to Japan saw the hosts qualify for the finals in Russia with the other automatic place in the finals a shoot-out between the Socceroos and Saudi Arabia.
Both nations are level on points at the moment with the Saudi’s two goals better of in terms of goal difference.
On Tuesday night Australia are at home to Thailand before an overnight wait to see how Saudi Arabia get on at home to Japan.
Rogic was substituted by Tim Cahill after 70 minutes of the defeat in Japan with some pundits calling for the Celtic midfielder to be benched for the match against Thailand but coach Ange Postecoglou may stick with Rogic as his side go looking for goals to put pressure on Saudi Arabia.
If Australia finish third they face a play-off against the third placed side in Asian Group A (currently shared between Syria and Uzbekistan) with the winners of that two-legged clash then facing the fourth placed team in CONCACAF which is being contested between the USA, Honduras and Panama.