The Qataris lost 3-0 and 3-1 when the two sides met in the last round of qualification, but Schwarzer maintained these results were now meaningless.

Speaking at a lunch today in Brisbane, the Fulham goalkeeper said: "That was the last group stage, this is a totally new stage and everyone starts from scratch.

"They're going to be thinking that they lost their first two games against us, however they know that they've got two more games against us and that they've got every chance to get a result."

Qatar now sits on top of Group A with four points from their two games, but Schwarzer was sure the Socceroos are poised to continue their winning run after last month's 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Tashkent.

"We believe in our own ability, we believe that we're good enough, and obviously take confidence in knowing that we've played them twice and beaten them both times."

"We believe that we will get the points that we need to get to the next stage and that means winning the games," said Schwarzer.