Emerton defends performance

Socceroos midfielder Brett Emerton doesn't believe the lacklustre effort against Liechtenstein will have any effect on how the team will perform against Japan on Monday afternoon in Kaiserslautern.

Socceroos midfielder Brett Emerton doesn't believe the lacklustre effort against Liechtenstein will have any effect on how the team will perform against Japan on Monday afternoon in Kaiserslautern.

Emerton, who was one of only four players from the Netherlands game to play against Liechtenstein, said while it was a "sloppy" performance, he has no doubts the team will be ready for Japan in the crucial opening game of the World Cup.

"I think there are a few things we need to address," Emerton said of the performance.

"But that is what we expect to get from these games when you try a few different formations.

"I am sure before the first game against Japan, we will talk about it and see what we can improve on."

While the Socceroos eventually won the match 3-1 against the 123rd footballing nation in the world, Emerton can't quite put his finger in why it was not a good performance given that a few players had the chance to press for places against Japan.

"I can't put it down to anything really," commented Emerton.

"You are not going to play well in every game, no matter who you are and it's probably better to get a sloppy performance out of the way now, rather than in the World Cup."

"We did make a few changes and did play a new formation but that's no excuse, and we'll be looking to put in a much improved performance come the first game against Japan."

Emerton, who has mainly operated as right fullback in Hiddink's preferred formation of four across the back, was given a run in the centre of midfield in the second half against Liechtenstein. He acquitted himself, and topped it off with laying on the goal for Josh Kennedy, with a beautifully weighted 30-metre cross.

"I found it OK," he said of playing in the more central role.

"I have done it in my time at Feyenoord and felt quite comfortable there. It was good to have a little bit of a change."

Turning his attention to the first game against Japan, Emerton admitted he knows it will no easy task to defeat the well-drilled outfit.

"Technically they are good, physically they are quite fast and strong. It's going to be a good test for us."

Meanwhile, Harry Kewell has allayed any fears that he will miss the opening match against Japan - saying he is ready to go. The Liverpool midfielder was in a good mood after training on Friday joking with one reporter who asked how he was feeling.

"I am alright, how are you?" he said with a big grin.

"The groin is alright, we are working day and night on it and it feels good."