Despite some hot form from surprise packet China, the Aussies are all but guaranteed to meet Japan in the semi-final, with Football NSW board member Steve Hayes saying the quarter-final will be a cakewalk.

“I’d put China in the Kuwait and Oman class — they had the easiest group on paper and that is the way it panned out,” he said.

“Australia has shown in this tournament that it has no trouble with the lesser sides — the big test will come in the semi-final against the Japanese.

“They are deservedly ranked the No. 1 team in Asia and are very gifted in the front third.

“The Socceroos have shown they can dominate the minnows but struggle to put it in the back of the net against the top sides.”

Murray United technical director Paul Millynn believes the Aussies will simply create too many chances.

“Obviously I think they can win but at this level it really comes down to who is switched on when the whistle blows,” he said.

“Postecoglou has to go back to starting with Kruse, Cahill and Leckie — he has to put his best side on the park because a loss sends everyone home.

“We don’t want to concede early through a lapse in concentration, that would be disastrous, but I believe we will dominate possession and create too many chances not to win.

“I like the way we are playing these days and I think it just follows how well they played at the World Cup.”

Brisbane Roar midfielder Amy Chapman said Mile Jedinak’s inclusion would allow the midfield to apply more pressure on the Chinese defence.

“Jedinak is vital to our midfield, and I think Massimo Luongo has been a real revelation, but we just need to be switched on right from the start,” Chapman said.

“Teams that transition well are always scary.

“We we really need to be patient in attack.

“There’s a difference between holding possession and effective possession, so the boys really need to take it up to China, break up their defensive structures and play to our strengths.

“We weren’t switched on against Korea, and that’s ok considering there wasn’t too much on the line, but it’s do or die now.”

Murray United goalkeeping coach Josh Fluss had similar thoughts, saying the Aussies had to create a focal point in attack.

“You can’t be playing around with the side now, this game matters,” Fluss said.

“Cahill will be back, Kruse has been good and Leckie is an honest young player, he brings a lot of energy.

“We really just have to attack, play with a bit of freedom and don’t overthink it.

“Getting Mile Jedinak will be really important as well, he adds a lot of experience and obviously a bit of leadership as well.”