Soccer: Hiddink's cloak and dagger

Australia's captain Mark Viduka back in training yesterday after an injury scare. Picture / Reuters

AUSTRALIA v JAPAN Kaiserslautern, June 13, 1am

OEHRINGEN - Mark Viduka rejoined the Socceroos at training yesterday as they began putting the final touches to their preparations for tomorrow's clash with Japan in Kaiserslautern.

Coach Guus Hiddink banned the media from watching the practice session inside the Otto-Meister stadium in Oehringen but, from outside, Viduka could be seen training with the team.

Australia's captain had limped off the pitch on Friday with a calf injury but is expected to lead the side in their opening Group F match.

Hiddink has remained silent about his plans, refusing to discuss the make up of his team or the tactics they will use against the Japanese.

The crafty Dutchman even has his own players guessing about who will make the team - ensuring there is no chance of complacency.

Defender Scott Chipperfield is expected to be one of the first players picked but he said Hiddink had told all the players no one was guaranteed a starting place. "Everyone's keen and focused, everyone's pushing for those starting positions," Chipperfield said.

Striker John Aloisi said the squad had now begun focusing all their attention on Japan.

They watched a replay of the Asian champions' 2-2 friendly draw with Germany and were impressed.

"They looked very good but we haven't really discussed yet how we're going to play against them," he said. "I think we have to shoot from distance. I think the ball might help, it looked like it did when Germany beat Costa Rica, so you have to try to test the keeper early."

With Viduka back in training, Aloisi will start only if Hiddink opts for two up front. If he uses an extra midfielder, as expected, Aloisi will probably be on the bench. "I'm happy with the way things have been going and hopefully I'll get a bit of run in the match," he said.

"Whether it's from the start or not I don't know, if not hopefully I'll come in off the bench. I'm sure if we have to play together we could. Good players can always play together."

TV times

* 1am: Australia v Japan (Group F), Kaiserslautern, live SS1/SS3.

* 4am: USA v Czech Republic (Group E), Gelsenkirchen, live SS1/SS3.

* 7am: Italy v Ghana (Group E), Hanover, live SS1/SS3.

* 3.30pm-4.30pm and 11pm-12.30am: highlights, TV1.

- REUTERS