The Socceroos will attempt to avoid any repeat of ugly mob attacks from Uruguay fans in 2001 by basing themselves outside the country for as long as possible ahead of next month's World Cup playoff in Montevideo.

For the second successive World Cup campaign, Uruguay booked a playoff berth against the Socceroos with a 1-0 win over Argentina in Montevideo.

Uruguay's victory sealed fifth place in the South American qualifying group and the right to play Australia in a home-and-away playoff for a spot at next year's World Cup finals in Germany.

It sets up a re-match of the showdown four years ago, in which Uruguay cruised past Australia 3-1 on aggregate.

The second leg in 2001 was marred by Socceroos players being spat at, punched and kicked by Uruguay fans on arrival at the airport, as Australian officials made the fatal error of basing the team in Montevideo leading up to the match.

Some fans made cutting motions across their throats at players, with security then stepped up and the players virtually imprisoned in their hotel in the days before an eventual 3-0 loss.

Socceroos assistant coach Graham Arnold, in Uruguay for the match, said technical director Ron Smith would remain in South America to sound out possible training venues leading up to the first leg on November 12.

Firm favourite is Argentina's capital Buenos Aires, just a 30-minute flight away from Montevideo which would allow the Socceroos to fly into Uruguay on match day.

"We are looking at other options and going there as late as possible," said Arnold, who declined to say where the Socceroos were looking.

If the Socceroos needed any more reason to base themselves outside Montevideo, it came in Uruguay coach Jorge Fossati's post-match press conference.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP