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THE Socceroos have rightfully won praise for two Herculean World Cup performances against the established strength of Chile and the Netherlands.
Facing a bristling and embarrassed reigning World Cup champion intent on exacting revenge in Curitiba however, the Socceroos face as great a task.
A poor showing against Spain could take the gloss off two super brave, attacking efforts. And warning signs were present at the Socceroos' training base in Vitoria on Sunday.
Probably the smallest media contingent in a fortnight greeted the players while there was the kind of laidback vibe in the air one expects ahead of a dead rubber.
Postecoglou's former South Melbourne teammate and Socceroos legend Alan Davidson, son of left-back Jason, said recently the coach had "brainwashed" the players into believing in his vision.
Australia's Tommy Oar, Matt McKay and Ben Halloran training on Sunday. Pic: George Salpigtidis Source: News Corp Australia
And his motivational savvy will be tested again ahead of a clash where experienced trio Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano and Mark Milligan join a top-notch absentee list, because this young team is susceptible to switching off.
Postecoglou, who gave the players an absolute spray after the 3-1 loss to Chile and told the subs he wants more of an impact, has used Australia's poor World Cup record (two wins in 12 games, against Japan in 2006 and Serbia in 2010) in his keynote speeches ahead of Spain.
January's Asian Cup is another motivator.
Postecoglou has used 17 of his 23 players and that's likely to be 18 or 19 by the time the final whistle sounds in Curitiba, with Massimo Luongo, Dario Vidosic, Bailey Wright and James Holland the only outfield players yet to feature.
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But with Robbie Kruse, Rhys Williams, Tom Rogic, Josh Kennedy, Curtis Good and Trent Sainsbury all coming back into the mix, few spots are assured.
"We will expose some players and give them an opportunity for sure,'' Postecoglou said.
"The pleasing thing for me post the World Cup is that you still have some guys outside this group will now hopefully get inspired and challenge to get back in it.
"If we can come out of this World Cup with our number of players having got an opportunity and excelling then that is going to make us stronger going forward. We need more depth.
"As you have seen here we have had some injuries prior and during the tournament. If you want to do well tournament like this then you need depth.
"We will certainly find out and will continue to find out. The opportunities will continue to get given to guys who have earnt them.
"I'll be really interested to see. I think Spain are still one of great sides in the world and some of our young guys are really going to get challenged in the last game.''
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