In 2006, Harry Kewell's late equaliser against Croatia in Stuttgart sent the Socceroos into the round-of-16 at their expense.

Germany's FIFA World Cup - including Tim Cahill's iconic goals on Australia's drought-breaking return to the tournament - was a formative experience for the modern-day team.

An experience, a dream, they will now live against Peru in Sochi.

"I for one am never going to forget those nights," goalkeeper Mat Ryan said.

"Getting up and celebrating in Australia when we beat Japan and getting the results we needed to progress.

"And obviously the heartache that followed in the Italian game.

"It would mean the absolute world to me and show all the sacrifices and dedication all over the years to achieve something like that.

"It would have all paid off."

Coincidentally, Croatia loom as a likely opponent for Bert van Marwijk's side if they are to replicate the feat of the 2006 team.

In Russia, the equation is trickier than it was for Guus Hiddink's trailblazers.

Not only must Australia beat already-eliminated Peru, they must also hope France defeat Denmark.

A further potential for overall goals scored, disciplinary records and the dreaded drawing of lots could yet play a role in the Socceroos' fate.

Ryan says the permutations are immaterial.

"If we don't go out and do the job against Peru there's no point thinking about the France game," he said.

"We'll do what we need to and the rest will sort itself out."

Ryan is one of the few players to have featured from the get-go in Australia's qualifying mission that began three years ago.

He said putting the scale of the achievement into context was near impossible.

"It's difficult to find words to describe that," he said.

"It would be the absolute meaning of why myself and many others play this sport. To be as successful as you can and try and create as many lifelong memories.

"If we're successful in achieving that tomorrow, I dare say not only us as players but the whole nation of Australia is going to remember that night.

"And that achievement, for the rest of their lives. Just as the team did back then in 2006 in Germany."