Qantas Socceroos are set to play their first home game in the fourth – and hopefully final - stage of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in just over two weeks, and three stars of the team are calling on fans to be the proverbial 12th man.

The crucial Asian group qualifier will be held in Brisbane on 15 October against Qatar, which is currently leading the group.

“We are really looking forward to our next game against Qatar at home,” said skipper Lucas Neill.

"We need the crowd to get right behind us to get another win which will get us even closer to where we need to be."

The power of a home crowd, is well documented by sport psychologists and professional athletes alike and the players say it can make the difference between winning and losing on the pitch.

“Last time we were there (in Brisbane) it was a fantastic crowd and fantastic atmosphere,” said fellow Socceroo Chris Coyne.

Luke Wilkshire added: “The home games are vital and you always look to win home games – it was a bonus going away (to Uzbekistan) and picking up three points but it is going to be very important for us to do it back on home ground.”

Australia need to finish in the top two of their group to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, after the current qualifying stage is complete in June 2009.

The Qantas Socceroos’ next home match is not until April 1 against Uzbekistan, followed by matches in June against Bahrain and Japan.

Football Federation Australia has not yet announced the venues for the games.