Australia in must-win situation

KAZAN, Russia – Australia’s long-suffering fans are bracing for another World Cup anti-climax Tuesday when the Socceroos face a Peru side desperate for a victory that may send its opponents home.

Pipped 2-1 in the final minutes by France and left agonizing over its failure to win a thrilling 1-1 draw against Denmark, Australia faces the South Americans for the first time knowing even a win could end its hopes of remaining in Russia.

Coach Bert van Marwijk led his native Netherlands to the 2010 final, where the Dutch were undone by Andres Iniesta’s extra-time winner for Spain.

So far in Russia, the 65-year-old has been both encouraged and frustrated by a side showing marked improvements defensively but little progress in the creative play that leads to goals.

“Scoring,” said Van Marwijk when asked prior to their crunch Group C match against Denmark what Australia lacked most.

“We have to play and create more chances.”

Failure to beat the Danes in a match that did have bright spots such as exciting teenage striker Daniel Arzani coming off the bench and forcing a great stop from Denmark ‘keeper Kasper Schmeichel sorely dented their hopes of reaching the last 16 for the first time since 2006.