GROUP C’s finale at the World Cup group stage has even the most casual of Australian sports fans transfixed.

Despite claiming just one point in their draw with Denmark on Thursday night, the Socceroos still find themselves with a chance of making it to the knockout stage.

Denmark’s win against Peru in the first group game has them ahead of Australia by three points on four points, with France in front with two wins and six points.

Peru - who Australia plays on Tuesday night - is winless from two games.

It all rides on the results from tomorrow night’s group double-header beginning at midnight (AEST).

In short, the Socceroos need to defeat Peru while France take down Denmark.

A big win over Peru while ideally conceding zero goals will be Australia’s lifeline to overtake Denmark should the Danes be shut down by France in a low scoring meetup.

At the moment Denmark has a plus one goal difference, while the Socceroos are minus one.

If the for and against goal tally between the sides is even, the next way to determine the teams will be goals scored.

So if Denmark lose 2-1 and Australia wins 1-0 the goals scored would still be equal.

The decision on who will be sent home would then come down to the amount of yellow and red cards each team has been slapped with in the tournament.

But if both sides play nice and keep their yellow tally under wraps, the process gets even more bizarre.

If by some cruel miracle everything else is even between the team teams, the most heartbreaking method of knocking out a nation will be employed.

A hat draw.

Yep, years of training, planning, dedication and a strong performance on the world stage can leave a team with a coin toss chance of being sent home come crunch time.

Drawing lots from a container in a room full of officials hardly seems like a thrilling method of victory, does it? But such is the theatre of football.

The last time it happened was 28 years ago in Italy, where Ireland edged out Holland for second place in Group F at the 1990 World Cup.

It wasn’t completly bad for Holland, who was among the best four third-placed teams from the 24 team tournament to be sent through to make up the 16.

Regardless, the Socceroos need bulk goals if they wish to replicate their 2006 heroics and finish in the knockout stage.

Australia coach Bert van Marwijk has been torn to shreds by former Socceroos, journalists and a mob of disgruntled fans for his decision to leave veteran Tim Cahill — Australia’s leading goalscorer — on the bench for the first two clashes in Russia.

At 38, the iconic Aussie striker has attracted questions about his fitness as the new wave of forwards and attacking midfielders takes shape in a coming-of-age World Cup campaign.

But his exceptional record up front and ability to produce big moments from tiny opportunities speaks for itself.

A dislocated shoulder to striker Andrew Nabbout sees the 25-year-old out of contention for tomorrow night’s clash, but a dangerous Tomi Juric and Jamie Maclaren may see Cahill resigned to the bench for the entirety of his fourth World Cup visit.

“We have three strikers that are chomping at the bit at the minute to put their hand up for this next match,” midfielder Mark Milligan said of Cahill in the lead-up to Australia’s third match. “While I’m sure he is frustrated that he’s not had his shot yet, the amount of help that he gives to the players around him … is unbelievable.”

Defender Aziz Behich was in full confidence of Cahill bringing home the goods despite a lengthy stint off the pitch.

“If Timmy’s been called upon, no doubt he’ll do a (good) job for us,” Behich said. “Timmy is a true professional, it shows the way he works on the pitch in training every day and he’s just a proper example for all of us, not just the young boys. Mentally, he’s always strong and ready to go, so we love having Tim as a part of our group and we all know what he can do.”

THE GROUP C SCENARIO

France - 6 points - plus 2 goal difference

Denmark - 4 points - plus 1 goal difference

Australia - 1 point - minus 1 goal difference

Peru - 0 points - minus 2 goal difference

HOW TIEBREAKER IS DETERMINED

- Overall points

- Goal difference

- Goals scored

- Yellow and red cards

- Drawing of lots