Having put fizz back into their football, captain Mile Jedinak says it's vital Australia don't fall flat in their World Cup finale.
Jedinak says Australia have taken a leap forward in Brazil, but their next step looms as the largest.
"It's a major step with what we have done," Jedinak told reporters on Friday.
"But the next step is to start getting those results in the big games."
Jedinak said the Socceroos were guarding against a let-down against Spain in Curitiba on Monday (Tuesday AEST) which would tarnish their campaign.
"It is just kicking on from here now. It's all about keeping that buzz going," he said.
"We have captivated the nation again and, to a degree, the world.
"But we all know this business and this industry that we're in is driven by results."
The Socceroos have taken great heart from their displays in a 1-3 loss to Chile and scaring the Netherlands in a 2-3 defeat.
"It definitely gives you a feeling of pride," Jedinak said.
"But it also gives you that feeling of what could have been as well."
Jedinak said there was unfinished business in a fixture against defending champions Spain, who have also lost twice and will join the Socceroos in exiting at the group stage.
"It's not over yet," said Jedinak, dismissing talk of the Curitiba clash as a dead rubber.
"For this remaining period, the sole focus and remaining energy and concentration levels has to be put into this last game.
"We're going to need it. Because we all know that even though Spain hasn't had the results, they're still a fantastic team in world football."
Australia will be without striker Tim Cahill, who has been suspended for receiving two yellow cards in the past two games.
Fitness doubts hover over key midfielder Mark Bresciano, who is battling a hip injury sustained in the loss to the Netherlands.
Fellow midfielder Mark Milligan, who missed the Dutch match with a hamstring strain, also remains a concern.
Both will be tested at training on Saturday but their potential absences could force coach Ange Postecoglou to turn to international novices Oliver Bozinac and Adam Taggart.
Taggart is among a batch of younger Socceroos headed by standout performer Matthew Leckie and defensive duo Jason Davidson and Matthew Spiranovic being closely monitored by scouts.
"There is a few players being watched at the moment and rightly so," Jedinak said.
"Everyone in this group has worked tremendously hard to get to this point.
"And whatever rewards come from that, it's purely down to hard work and what they have done within this group.
"Everybody can be tremendously proud and hopefully things do happen for some of the boys."
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