Australia seek old team for World Cup

Coach Guus Hiddink named the experienced team of 2002 for the upcoming World Cup in Germany.

Australia coach Guus Hiddink named a tried and trusted 23-man squad on Wednesday for next month's World Cup in Germany.

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The socceroos begin their first World Cup campaign for 32 years against Japan on June 12 before further Group F matches against world champions Brazil and Croatia.

"Everyone thinks we have an unknown Japan but Japan have played in the last few World Cups and they have experience with European-based players so they are a tough team to beat," Hiddink said.

"Brazil, everyone knows that will be a special game. The Croatian game has a history of itself because of a lot of connections between Australian-Croatians or the other way around so that will be a very hectic clash at the end," he said.

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill was named in the squad despite concerns over a knee injury.

Central Coast defender Michael Beauchamp replaced the experienced Tony Vidmar who pulled out of the tournament on Tuesday for health reasons.

"We are happy to be there but I know that the team is not settling down and just participating," Hiddink said.