Mark Viduka is hoping the 'Middlesbrough factor' can help Australia launch an unlikely World Cup bid.

Viduka was part of the Boro side which completed astonishing UEFA Cup comebacks against Basel and Steaua Bucharest last season and it appears some of the magic has rubbed off on the Socceroos.

Three goals in the final 10 minutes against Japan turned their opening game on its head and Australia then clinched a place in the last 16 by twice battling back from a goal down to grab a crucial draw with Croatia.

The self-belief coursing through the Australian squad is obvious and Viduka believes if the green and gold can continue to enjoy small slices of luck when they are needed, there is no reason why his country's amazing World Cup adventure should end when they tackle Italy in Kaiserslautern on Monday.

"On our day, we can match up with anybody," said Viduka.

"We proved it with our performance against Brazil and by coming from behind against both Japan and Croatia.

"You just need things to go for you at crucial times, which is what happened at Middlesbrough.

"We were poor in the Premiership but in the cup competitions, we just got that little bit of luck every team needs if they are to be successful.

"Hopefully, the same will apply to Australia because we fancy ourselves to get a result against anyone."

Although the 30-year-old is not an obvious captain, he does have a feel for the players surrounding him.

Viduka was quick to place a comforting arm around the giant shoulders of keeper Zelijko Kalac, whose horrific blunder could easily have cost Australia their place in the competition.

And there was also a pat on the back for much-maligned fellow forward Harry Kewell, so often the butt of cruel comments due to his chronic injury record but who delivered when it was required, lashing home the volley which fired Australia into the knockout phase.

"Harry takes a lot of stick, as we all do from time to time," said Viduka.

"People expect a lot of him because he has such unbelievable talent. It was really good to see him get that goal. It was a fitting because overall, it was one of his best performances for Australia."

Last night's win justified the brave decision Viduka made 12 years ago to snub an international career with Croatia - where both his parents were born - so he could commit his future to the land of his own birth.

Still, it was a slightly surreal experience for the former Celtic and Leeds star, although his ability to speak Croatian did help confirm one of the decisions hapless referee Graham Poll got wrong when Stjepan Tomas clearly handled as Australia chased the game following Kalac's blunder.

"I wasn't really in a good position to see for myself but I did hear one of their players yelling at 'Tommy' to stop punching the ball, which was probably as good an indication as any," he smiled.

Although he remains around 10,000 miles away from home, Viduka is acutely aware of the impression Australia's exploits are making Down Under.

TV ratings forecasts are being shattered as Socceroos fans get up at ridiculous times in the morning to watch their team in action.

"From what I hear, whenever you turn the TV on in Australia, the World Cup is all anyone is talking about," he said.

"Considering the low profile soccer had back home a few years back, it is fantastic to hear.

"We don't want it to end just yet. Italy have top class players and we know it will be difficult to beat them.

"But we are riding a wave just now and we want to stay on the surfboard as long as we can."