Changes expected for friendly

Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink is set to give a number of players a chance to make a last ditch impression for a place in the starting eleven against Japan, by making a number of changes for the Liechtenstein game tonight in Ulm.

Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink is set to give a number of players a chance to make a last ditch impression for a place in the starting eleven against Japan, by making a number of changes for the Liechtenstein game tonight in Ulm.

While Hiddink hasn-t said anything personally, all indications at today-s open session at their training session indicated that as many as six changes might be made.

While Hiddink is perhaps also looking to give some of his first choice players a rest, it does give players that do start, a chance to make a lasting impression against an opposition that is not expected to provide too much resistance, given its lowly world ranking of 123. It lost 1-0 to fellow World Cup finalist Togo last week.

Two of those players that are likely to be called up to start are Tim Cahill and Tony Popovic and both will be grateful for the chance to impress the coach.

"There's spots still up for grabs and the main thing for me is I'm still amongst it,” said Cahill, who scored the equalizing goal against The Netherlands just minutes after coming on as a substitute. "I hope I'm playing (against Liechtenstein) - we won't know until the day.

“But if I'm in the starting XI, then I'll be very excited to do my best."

“If we go by training today, then I am good chance of playing,” said Popovic. “If so, I am ready and looking forward to it.”

Both players have had to overcome injuries during the early stages of the preparation and could be joined by Harry Kewell, Josip Skoko, John Aloisi and Stan Lazaridis, who were all given an extended run with what appeared to be the first team at training.

It remains to be seen who will be in goals, despite Mark Schwarzer-s magnificent effort against The Netherlands, with Hiddink perhaps wanting to get another look at Zeljko Kalac.

Those to make way based on training were Scott Chipperfield, Jason Culina, Mark Viduka, Vince Grella, Bresciano, who did not train because of an ear infection, and Luke Wilkshire, who is suspended after his red card against The Netherlands.

A possible starting line-up will be: Zeljko Kalac (gk); Lucas Neill, Craig Moore, Tony Popovic; Brett Emerton, Josip Skoko, Tim Cahill, Stan Lazaridis; Mile Sterjovski, Harry Kewell, John Aloisi

Around 5,000 fans today braved indifferent weather conditions including heavy rain at the start of the session to come out and see the Socceroos train at the Otto-Meister Stadium in Oehringen. This was the one allocated FIFA open session that each country has to have, with the players surprised by the large turn out to them train.

Earlier in the day, the Lord Mayor of Oehringen Jochen K. Kubler officially welcomed the Australian team to his town at a civic reception at the picturesque town offices in the centre of town.

Mr Kubler thanked Australia for choosing Friedrichsruhe and his town to base themselves during the first stages of the competition and wished Australia every success in getting through to the next round.

He also believed that the people of Oehringen would adopt the Socceroos at its second team during the finals.

Australia-s Head of Delegation Mr Philip Wolanski was joined by players Luke Wilkshire, Neil Kilkenny, Kristian Sarkies and Kaz Patafta at the reception and praised the town for its warm reception on arrival.

“We come here today as guests of your city and as proud ambassadors of Australia,” said Mr Wolanski. “We look forward to sharing a memorable few weeks here as we embark together on an exciting journey into the unknown during the 2006 World Cup.”

“It-s 32 years since Australia qualified for the World Cup finals - the last time was back in 1974 when Germany was again the tournament hosts. So it appears World Cup finals in Germany bring Australia good luck.”

“We are delighted and overwhelmed by the warmth and support that we have been shown since our arrival in your beautiful city. Our accommodation is wonderful and the training facilities of the Otto Meister Stadium are superb.

“So today I invite the people of Oehringen to adopt the Socceroos as their second favourite team behind Germany.”