Dario Vidosic gets chance to clinch berth with Socceroos' for World Cup

* by Marco Monteverde
* From: The Courier-Mail
* May 23, 2010 8:28PM

DARIO Vidosic is set to be given a chance to cement a berth in Australia's 23-man World Cup squad with a starting spot in the Socceroos XI for tonight's friendly against New Zealand at the MCG.

The former Roar star, now based in Germany, was last night included in Australia's likely starting side after the final training session before tonight's trans-Tasman battle.

The team includes skipper Lucas Neill, star midfielders Tim Cahill, Vince Grella and Mark Bresciano, as well as Gold Coast United skipper Jason Culina.

Harry Kewell, who has been ruled out of tonight's clash with a groin injury, was restricted to light duties as coach Pim Verbeek put his expected starting side through its paces.

Fringe defender Shane Lowry finished the session with his ankle in ice. However, he was unlikely to have been given a starting opportunity tonight.

Vidosic, 23, said he was ready to make the most of any chance to establish himself in the Socceroos.

Verbeek will cut his 31-man squad to 27 tomorrow before announcing his final 23-man World Cup squad on June 1, when Australia meet Denmark in a warm-up clash in Johannesburg.

"It's been a big build-up and now it's down to business with our preparations for the game against New Zealand," Vidosic said.

"Every player is confident that they have a lot to bring to the 23-man squad. Everyone's here to show themselves.

"Pim knows all our qualities and I'm sure he'll make the right decision for the 23, and it'll be a great squad that represents Australia in South Africa."

Vidosic talked up Australia's sporting rivalry with New Zealand ahead of tonight's clash.

"We definitely want to win this one - it's basically a derby," he said.

"We want to have one over on New Zealand and we want to start our campaign in the best possible way."

Verbeek described Vidosic as a "very good football player".

"I like him - I think he's a fantastic player for the future, and very versatile," the Dutchman said.

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