It was doubtful, for a time, that the Socceroos deserved to be there at all.

A string of shaky draws, drubbing losses, struggles against minnows and a last-minute coach resignation was hardly ideal preparation for Mooy's men. 

But Mooy has a little experience in proving the doubters wrong.

Many thought the Aussie talisman was too slow, patchy and 'middle-aged' to become an outstanding holding midfielder-come-deep-lying playmaker in the world's toughest league. 

They were wrong. So it's little surprise that Mooy's not copping any flak on behalf of the Socceroos.

"If you want to compete, you have to take out the big boys," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "We deserve to be there as much as them.

"I'm sure the manager, the boss, will try and give us as much chance to get something out of the game."

"It's hard to say whether we'll qualify (for the Round of 16) because we're starting afresh. We haven't been with the new coaching staff for too long.

"But we all believe in what they're doing and I think we've got a chance for sure."

While Mooy and co are drilled behind closed doors in the Turkish resort town, Antalya, the rest of Australia ponders the same questions. Who will start in midfield? Is Mile Jedinak a centreback? Where does Massimo Luongo fit in?

All Mooy reveals is what we probably already knew - for whomever gets the nod, it's going to mean the entire world. 

"We'll be very well prepared. It's all about making that chance as big as we can," he said.

"Players say going to a World Cup, it's one of the best parts of their career and I can't wait."