Australia stick with experience for World Cup

SYDNEY, May 10 (Reuters) Australia coach Guus Hiddink named a tried and trusted 23-man squad today for next month's World Cup in Germany.

The socceroos begin their first World Cup campaign for 32 years against Japan on June 12 before further Group F matches against world champions Brazil and Croatia.

''Everyone thinks we have an unknown Japan but Japan have played in the last few World Cups and they have experience with European-based players so they are a tough team to beat,'' Hiddink said in a statement.

''Brazil, everyone knows that will be a special game. The Croatian game has a history of itself because of a lot of connections between Australian-Croatians or the other way around so that will be a very hectic clash at the end.'' Everton midfielder Tim Cahill was named in the squad despite concerns over a knee injury.

Central Coast defender Michael Beauchamp replaced the experienced Tony Vidmar who pulled out of the tournament Yesterday for health reasons.

''We are happy to be there but I know that the team is not settling down and just participating,'' Hiddink said. ''This team is so eager to get a surprise to get into the second round.''

REUTERS