After enduring an arduous road to qualify for the World Cup, Australia's ambitions of progressing into the knockout phase hang by a thread.

For Milligan, it's nothing new, likening it to the Socceroos' task of winning two sets of qualification playoffs just to get to Russia.

"This group, after everything that the last four years has brought, it's just fitting that it comes down to this last game, us having to win," Milligan said.

"So I think the scene is set for us.

"While we can't control everything else that happens, I know that we will give absolutely everything that we have on Tuesday."

The Australians meet Peru in Sochi knowing only a win - and a France victory over Denmark - will get them out of the group stage.

And even if those results eventuate, there's still no guarantee as the Socceroos would then be level with the Danes on points - goal difference, then disciplinary records, could then decide their fate.

Australia started slugglishly in both their games so far - a 2-1 loss to France and a 1-1 draw with Denmark.

And Milligan said the Socceroos can't afford to again be slow out of the blocks against Peru, who have no chance of advancing to the knockout phase after consecutive losses.

"We need to go into the match with a little bit more belief in what we can do and what we can achieve because we know it's there, I think we showed it," he said.

"And I think if we start the game from the very beginning like that, then I don't think we're scrambling for a goal in the last 15 minutes.

"We're all very confident ... we know that there's still a lot more in this team."

Australian Associated Press