For the first time since 2006, the Socceroos have progressed to the World Cup knockout stages and now an entire nation is dreaming of what could come next.
Consecutive 1-0 wins in the group stages proved enough for Australia to qualify for the Round of 16 with Argentina awaiting next on Sunday morning.
While a daunting task for the Socceroos, they have already defied all expectations by making it this far in Qatar and there's no harm in dreaming a little longer.
Australia have never made it to the World Cup quarterfinals having lost their one and only previous Round of 16 match 1-0 against Italy in 2006.
MORE: How much prize money will the Socceroos earn in Qatar?
Who would the Socceroos face in the World Cup quarterfinals?
So the Socceroos have done the seemingly impossible and beaten Argentina, who would they play next?
That will be either the Netherlands or the USA and Australia will know for sure prior to kickoff.
Netherlands and the United States will battle it out on Sunday morning four hours prior to the Socceroos' Round of 16 match.
The Dutch are the favourites to progress but the USA are also yet to lose in Qatar and gave England a real scare in a 0-0 draw recently.
Australia have only played both nations a handful of times before and lost their most recent matches against each team.
The Socceroos last played the USA in 2010 when they lost a friendly 3-1, while their previous game against the Netherlands was an unforgettable 3-2 defeat at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Iconic goal. Iconic assist.
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) August 14, 2020
Celebrate @rmcgowan89's birthday by reliving THAT moment 🆚 the Netherlands at the 2014 @FIFAWorldCup. #AllForTheSocceroos pic.twitter.com/dhZIDw1jhx
When would the Socceroos play in the World Cup quarterfinals?
- Date: Saturday, December 10 (AEDT)
- Time: 6:00 a.m. (AEDT)
Should the Socceroos get past Argentina, they'd have six days to recover before their quarter-final match.
Australia go into their Round of 16 game having had less than 72 hours between their last outing against Denmark.
Argentina have had four hours less to recover with coach Lionel Scaloni previously hitting out at the tight scheduling.
Socceroos potential World Cup knockout stage schedule
| Date (AEDT) | Stage | Time (AEDT) | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Dec. 4 | Australia vs Argentina (R16) | 6:00 a.m. | Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium |
| Sat, Dec. 10 | Quarter-finals | 6:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Wed, Dec. 14 | Semi-finals | 6:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
| Sun, Dec. 18* | Third Place Match | 2:00 a.m. | Khalifa International Stadium |
| Mon, Dec. 19 | Final | 2:00 a.m. | Lusail Stadium |
