While the Socceroos await news on what Mathew Leckie's latest hamstring twinge means for his World Cup, the veteran's presence reminds them every day of the opportunity awaiting them.
Leckie was withdrawn after an hour of Australia's 2-0 loss to the United States after pulling up, sitting down then receiving treatment.
Given the 35-year-old's lengthy history of soft tissue injuries - which he finally overcame in time to fight his way into Australia's World Cup squad - there are clearly doubts over his participation for the remainder of the tournament.
Leckie didn't train with his teammates on Monday (Tuesday AEST), watching on from the sidelines, and defender Jason Geria said while he was "travelling OK", he didn't know the extent of the injury yet.
"He's had a lot of battles with injuries over the years," Geria said.
"So for him to get himself in shape to be a part of this, it's a massive effort from him.
"It's never nice seeing that happen to a teammate, so we're hurting for him, but hopefully he'll be able to get up for, if not this game, then the round of 32 game."
But if Australia can no longer tap into four-time World Cup veteran Leckie's experience on the field, the young Socceroos can lean into what he has done before.
Every day the team sees a photo in their hotel of Leckie celebrating his iconic solo goal against Denmark in Qatar that sent Australia to the knockouts.
Ahead of facing Paraguay in Santa Clara on Thursday - where a win or draw will seal second spot in Group D and progress to the round of 32 - every player will be itching to give Australia their own special moment that will have crowds from the US to Melbourne's Federation Square bouncing.
"I think they'll know that," assistant coach and former Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak said of the opportunity to create history.
"When Lecks scores his goal against Denmark and the celebration, it's a moment etched in our World Cup history.
"Without even saying too much, I think the players will be aware of that. They've also got such a tremendous privilege to still have him in the room and he's been a part of this journey.
"I know what it meant to me and I wasn't even there.
"It is drawing upon that and what that moment meant and I don't think you should shy away from that because I guess every single one of us here knew exactly how they felt in that moment."