Soccer: Massive security shields Socceroos

MONTEVIDEO - Special security measures are in place to protect the Socceroos in case of crowd trouble at this morning's World Cup decider against Uruguay.

The plans are highly confidential, but Australian officials confirmed last night that they would swing into action at the first hint of trouble.

The most likely scenario would be in the event of an Australian success in front of 65,000 passionate local fans at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario.

Security surrounding the Australian team has become a sensitive issue since the players were spat on and jostled on arrival at Montevideo airport last week after their 1-0 first-leg victory in Melbourne.

The players have been virtual prisoners in their own hotel and scores of armed riot police have shielded them when they have ventured out for training sessions.

Team sources refused to say whether the players would be whisked out of the stadium in the event of any crowd disturbances.

But most of the Socceroos will be leaving Montevideo within hours of the final whistle in any case.

The bulk of the squad will fly to Buenos Aires and then to London to return to their British and European teams.

Uruguayan sources said the security afforded to the modest Australian team far outstrips anything offered to either Brazil or Argentina when they visited Montevideo for cup qualifiers this year.

Australia and Uruguay are the last two World Cup stragglers, fighting it out for the one remaining spot in next year's finals.

Teams around the world have played 777 qualifying games over 21 months for just 32 berths in the finals in Japan and South Korea.

A win or a draw for Australia would be enough for them to reach the finals for the first time since 1974. Also, if they lose by a single goal but score at least one themselves, they would take the final spot on the away goals rule.

However, if Uruguay win by two goals or more, they will reach their first finals in 12 years. If they win 1-0, the game will go to extra time and, if still not settled, to a penalty shootout.

The two-time World Cup champions had a mixed qualifying campaign, coming fifth in the South American qualifying group to win the playoff spot.