The countdown to the biggest game in Perth’s soccer history is underway and the Socceroos are stepping up preparations — come rain, hail or shine. With just days to go until their crunch World Cup qualifier against Japan, the Socceroos have enjoyed their first training session in Perth ahead of Thursday’s night Optus Stadium blockbuster. Both the national team and approximately a couple of hundred of fans braved the inclement weather for the open session at HBF Park on Monday evening. WA products Adam Taggart, Alessandro Circati and Cameron Burgess were among the Socceroos on the pitch as they enjoyed their first session on home soil after a grueling 10-day training camp in Abu Dhabi. But while Perth’s downpour kept a big crowd away, the Australian team made sure to make it worth the time of those who did attend in spite of the heavy rain. Following the conclusion of their session, the Australian side ventured to the edge of the pitch to sign autographs for their adoring fans despite the rain re-commencing. 21 players were on track for the Socceroos, with Denmark-based Paul Izzo and Mo Toure and American-based Aiden O’Neill, Kye Rowles and Patrick Yazbek still yet to arrive in camp. A win for the Socceroos on Thursday night would put them on the brink of qualification for a sixth successive World Cup. If Saudi Arabia fail to beat Bahrain in the hours after Australia’s match with Japan, it would ensure the Socceroos safe passage through to next year’s marquee tournament, to be played across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Any positive result for Australia against an already-qualified Japanese side - who have left several stars at home and brought an inexperienced squad to Perth - would set them up well ahead of their final game of the campaign against Saudi Arabia in Jeddah next Tuesday.