Josip Skoko's goal gives Australia 1-0 victory

MELBOURNE, May 25: Australia began their World Cup preparations today with a 1-0 victory over European champions Greece before a record soccer crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Josip Skoko's 15th-minute volley separated the sides and the Socceroos showed enough technical ability and tactical nous to suggest they will not just be making up the numbers in their first finals appearance for 32 years next month.

After Skoko saw a 10th-minute effort blocked, the Wigan midfielder broke the deadlock five minutes later.

The ball broke loose from Marco Bresciano's corner and Mile Sterjovski's cushioned header allowed Skoko to hit a floating left-foot volley into the top corner from 20 yards.

Bresciano's 24th-minute free kick shaved the outside of Antonios Nikopolidis's post and Sterjovski forced a low save from the keeper three minutes later.

Greece looked a pale imitation of the side that lifted the European title in Lisbon 22 months ago, with their best effort of the half going to Angelos Haristeas who spooned over the bar after nine minutes.

Otto Rehhagel's side picked up after the break, roared on by a huge contingent from the city's Greek community who helped set a stadium attendance record for soccer of 95,103.

Haristeas went close with a header and two long-range efforts from substitute Panagiotis Lagos just missed the target.

Skipper Theo Zagorakis blasted high and wide on 69 minutes moments before Sterjovski was inches away from heading Australia's second.

Australia open their Group F campaign in Germany against Japan on June 12 in Kaiserslautern. Champions Brazil and Croatia complete the group.

Team: 1-Zeljko Kalac; 2-Lucas Neill; 3-Craig Moore; 4-Jason Culina; 5-Brett Emerton; 6-Josip Skoko (Luke Wilkshire 61); 7-Mark Viduka (Archie Thompson 61); 8-Vincenzo Grella; 9-Scott Chipperfield (Tony Popovic 50); 10-Mile Sterjovski (Stan Lazaridis 74); 11-Marco Bresciano.

REUTERS