Harry Kewell says opponents are wary of Australia

Jun 11, 2010 - 9:08 AM By RYAN LUCAS Associated Press Writer

JOHANNESBURG(AP) -- After a strong showing at the last World Cup, Australian forward Harry Kewell doesn't expect the Socceroos to take anyone by surprise in South Africa.

They advanced out of the group stage in Germany four years ago before losing in the round of 16 to eventual champion Italy 1-0 after a disputed injury-time penalty.

"I think we surprised a lot of teams at the last World Cup. Obviously it's difficult a second time around," Kewell said Thursday.

Now, opponents are "a lot more wary of the players we have, everyone knows the players individually," the 31-year-old forward said. "I'm quiet sure now a lot more teams have focused in on what we're capable of doing, and, yeah, it's going to be very difficult for us."

Coach Pim Verbeek selected 14 veterans from the 2006 World Cup squad, including Kewell's Galatasaray teammate Lucas Neill, Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Despite the solid core of talent, the Socceroos are not favorites to advance out of a tough Group D in South Africa, where the Australians open play against perennial power Germany.

"I think it's important to get off to a fly at the World Cup, to get three points, so I think let's face it - we've probably hit the hardest team in the World Cup to come up against, especially first off the bat," Kewell said. "Everyone's looking for these angles against the Germans - they're a young team, they need to go forward - but let's not forget when it comes to a big tournament they're always the favorite."

Things don't get much easier for the Socceroos. They play Ghana - a tough matchup even if the Africans are missing star midfielder Michael Essien - and then wrap up group play against a Serbia side that topped its qualifying group, ahead of 2006 World Cup runner-up France.