Harry Kewell scoffs at easybeat gibe

* Aaron Langmaid
* From: Herald Sun
* May 18, 2010

HARRY Kewell said yesterday Australia had what it took to make it past the group stage of the World Cup.

Kewell, 31, rubbished predictions the Socceroos would be an early casualty in South Africa.

"A lot of people are speculating that obviously we are the weakest team there (Group D)," Kewell said.

"Because I have heard reports from Ghana, from Serbia, and obviously from Germany ... they are all sitting up there on their high horses, but you know, again, we're confident to go there and play good football."

Australia faces Germany in its opening match in Durban on June 14.

"It ain't going to be easy ... (but) we are all excited and confident enough to go out there and show the world again what we're capable of," Kewell said.

Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek yesterday confirmed in a live Herald Sun blog that Kewell would not play in his team's farewell match, against New Zealand at the MCG, on Monday.

Battling a groin injury, Kewell said he was confident of lining up for Australia next month.

"I'm working on a schedule," Kewell said. "But I think it's important I am 100 per cent. I was out early this morning, early yesterday, I'm just doing all the right things. It's all great."

The star striker revealed his family would attend the tournament and he had no added fears about their safety or his in South Africa compared with anywhere else.

- with AAP

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/harry-kewell-scoffs-at-easybeat-gibe/story-e6frf9if-1225867925021