This year's Asian Cup is proof the Socceroos cannot take the threat of Lebanon lightly, midfielder Jackson Irvine insists.
Two wins against the world No.115 Lebanese - in Thursday's World Cup qualifier in Sydney and the following Tuesday's game in Canberra - will secure Australia's berth in the final round of qualification.
On paper, it looks a fairly straightforward assignment for Graham Arnold's men, who sit 23rd in governing body FIFA's rankings.
But Irvine knows the gulf in standing will count for nothing after bearing witness at January's Asian Cup to the rapid improvement of the Middle Eastern nations.
"The strength of these teams is getting better all the time," Irvine told AAP.
"Whether it's tactically, or physically with the Middle Eastern teams, it's just about patience.
"You've got to find solutions using the limited time we have and putting all those ingredients together.
"We need to focus on performing - the results during the qualification process are the most important thing."
While Qatar won the tournament for the second time in a row, Jordan's run to the final was the feel-good story of the competition.
Australia struggled past Syria in the group stage and only just pipped Palestine 1-0 in November's World Cup qualifier.
The Socceroos' inability to break down stubborn defences has been a criticism of Arnold's tenure, but striker Mitchell Duke said Australia's players had been given added freedom to express themselves.
"(Arnold) is pushing the envelope with us to do more individually," Duke said.
"It's then about us executing it and coming up with solutions in certain moments - but Arnie can't be out there on the field.
"We have to be able to problem-solve ourselves, within our team. It's about better decision making.
"When you're playing against teams in Asia who park the bus it can be frustrating.
"It's not all doom and gloom, it's about those one percenters, and when the big moment comes you've got to punish them."
Most of Lebanon's team is selected from their domestic competition.
But they do boast US-based Jackson Khoury in the squad, an uncapped Sydney-born striker who spent time at the Central Coast Mariners.
Australia are undefeated in their previous two meetings with Lebanon, winning both games 3-0.
