Scott Chipperfield believes the pressure is right on the Australian national team following Tuesday's draw with Oman.
Second-half goals from Tim Cahill and Brett Holman helped dig the Socceroos out of trouble in their 2-2 draw with the Omanis which left them third on the Group B table for World Cup qualifying in Asia.
Former FC Basel star, Chipperfield who played 68 times for Australia, feels the pressure is now heavily placed on Holger Osieck's men.
"Suddenly the pressure is on. That was bad result for us and I really think we need to take something from our trip to Japan now," Chipperfield told SBS.
"They will do us no favours because they still need a point to be sure of qualifying themselves after the slip up in Jordan.
"If we lose that one, then we really are in big trouble. I thought with three games left we'd have a lot more than six points and only one win to our credit.
"I am concerned because I have been saying all along that we have the quality and depth and that we will get to the World Cup. I stick by that.
"But it's about time now for the team to start performing and showing that they are good enough."
