To have any hope of matching Australia’s past successes in the tournament, which include the 1997 runners-up prize and a third place finish in 2001, the team will need at least one win and possibly a draw over the next week.

With Group B also containing Cameroon and South American powerhouse Chile, this will be no easy task.

It might be the unfancied bridesmaid to the FIFA World Cup, but a strong showing in Russia would bring much needed relief for Ange Postecoglou’s embattled national team.

A barren run of results has left the Socceroo at risk of missing out on automatic qualification for Russia 2018.

The 4-0 defeat to Brazil on Tuesday, meanwhile, did little to assuage Postecoglou’s detractors.

Will the Socceroos find form in Russia and defy the critics? Or are three inglorious defeats on the cards? Here are five things to watch over the coming week.

The missing Jedi?

The absence of Mile Jedinak, who withdrew from the squad on Tuesday due to an ongoing groin issue, is a huge blow for the Socceroos.

The former Crystal Palace stalwart, now with Aston Villa, provides a steely presence in the midfield for both club and country.

His leadership will also be missed – Jedi was appointed captain prior to the 2014 World Cup and has been a calming figure during a period of upheaval.

But there is one possible silver lining.

Jedinak’s absence might force Postecoglou to start a more attacking line-up, with Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic, Jackson Irvine, Massimo Luongo, James Troisi and Robbie Kruse all viable options for the midfield four.

Goals, goals, goals

Who will supply Australia’s goals?

 

Alongside a leaky defence, that is the most pressing question for Postecoglou and his assistants.

Since qualifying for the 2018 World Cup began, forward Tim Cahill has supplied almost a quarter of the team’s goals.

But with the veteran’s 38th birthday fast approaching, another source must soon be found.

The absence of Jedinak, who has contributed seven goals in qualifying, hardly helps.

Will Tomi Juric finally show his quality in Socceroos’ colours?

Can Jamie Maclaren continue his A-League scoring run against international opponents?

The answer to these questions will likely determine whether or not Australia progress to the semi-finals.

 

No rest for the wicked

Saint Petersburg Stadium

 

The fixture planners for the Confederations Cup clearly did not have player welfare front of mind.

After facing Germany in Sochi on Monday evening local time, the Socceroos will fly to Saint Petersburg.

They will play Cameroon two days later, before Chile await in Moscow at the end of the week.

Just 146 hours will elapse between kick-off in Sochi and the full-time whistle against Chile, with the team travelling almost 3,000 kilometres in the interim.

With such a gruelling schedule, fitness and recovery could prove the difference.

The Indomitable Lions

Cameroon celebrate Africa Cup of Nations win

 

The clash with Cameroon on Friday (AEST) in Saint Petersburg could make or break the Socceroos’ campaign.

On paper, the African champions are the weakest Group B opponent and have a history of travelling poorly.

While Cameroon is still coming down from the high of their African Cup of Nations triumph in January, the side’s recent 4-0 defeat at the hands of Colombia gives hope to the Socceroos.

Regardless of the result against Germany, a win over Cameroon will ensure progress remains possible heading into the final group match.

But unless the Socceroos first pull off a miracle against Die Mannschaft, defeat at the hands of Cameroon is almost certain to prematurely end Australia’s campaign.

What’s the end goal?

The ultimate assessment of the Socceroos’ performance at the Confederations Cup will not occur next week but next year.

A series of strong showings against Germany, Cameroon and Chile, whatever the score-lines, could rejuvenate the national team ahead of crunch World Cup qualifiers.

The tournament also provides the perfect dry-run for a return next year, helping the players acclimate to the country, culture and facilities.

On the other hand, progression to the Confederations Cup final – even lifting the trophy – will count for little if Australia fail to book a ticket to Russia 2018.

Either way, the next week could come to define the Postecoglou era.

Perform well here then qualify for the World Cup, and recent wobbles will be forgotten.

Three straight defeats in Russia and a loss to Japan in August, however, could end the Ange era.

- Kieran Pender in Sochi, Russia