Hiddink faces tough call

Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink faces the vexing decision of how best to use Harry Kewell in the World Cup round of 16 showdown with Italy as the Liverpool star struggles once more for full fitness.

Kewell has not trained since scoring the goal against Croatia which guided the Socceroos into the competition's knockout stage - the official reason given as soreness.

He is being nursed partly because his preparation had been interrupted by a groin injury which kept him out of much of the team's strenuous pre-World Cup lead-up work.

"We'll see the recovery we get from Harry... we'll see how his situation is tomorrow," Hiddink said.

Hiddink is certain to play Kewell in some role, but whether that will be from the start or as an impact player against the three-time world champion remains to be seen.

The Socceroos tackle Italy in the round of 16 in Kaiserslautern after surprisingly qualifying for the tournament's knockout stage, with 30 minutes of extra-time and a penalty shootout looming if scores are tied at the end of normal time.

Australia knows all about sudden-death and penalty shootout situations, having survived one against Uruguay in the second World Cup playoff in Sydney in November to make it to Germany.

Hiddink confirmed Mark Schwarzer - who saved two penalties in the Uruguay shootout - would resume his role between the sticks after the Dutchman's decision to dump him for Zeljko Kalac against Croatia nearly ended Australia's World Cup.

"Normally I don't give a line-up, but yes," Hiddink said when asked if Schwarzer would play. "For the rest you'll have to wait."

Hiddink's key decision is how to cover the loss of suspended Brett Emerton - a player the Socceroos coach deemed nearly irreplaceable.

The Blackburn utility has been outstanding for the Socceroos at the World Cup with his energy and endeavour, but was sent off late in the Croatia match for a second yellow card and received an automatic one-match ban.

Hiddink appears to have two options - either promoting Italian-based Marco Bresciano or wide midfielder Luke Wilkshire and tinkering slightly with his formation to accommodate the replacement.

He may even use both if he decides to use Kewell as an impact player off the bench.

"We'll find our solution but it's not easy - Brett Emerton gives a lot of energy to this team," Hiddink said.

"When you see him running all over the place, not only in the first 15 minutes but in minute 85, he's one of the fittest players in this World Cup."

"It's very difficult to replace him. I'm glad he never played against me."

top