Allsopp, now earning his living in the USA with DC United has given Sports Illustrated his views on the Socceroos chances in South Africa.

Speaking to si.com, he said: "There are a lot of expectations surrounding the Australian squad after the last World Cup in 2006, but the group stage is going to be really difficult, and it will be an achievement to get through our group."

Allsopp picked out Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer, Lucas Neill and Vince Grella as key performers and said players had obviously gained experience from their previous experience at the World Cup.

The former Melbourne Victory man hailed Germany as the favourites in Australia's World Cup group but feels they will be joined by the Socceroos with Ghana and Serbia to miss out after a tough battle.

"I think we will get out of the group. I predict we will be in the knockout round and that we will go one better than the last World Cup," he said.

Allsopp's views for part of a World Cup preview for Sports Ilustrated. The article (not Allsopp's contribution) suggests an 'ageing' core of players could be a problem for Australia in South Africa.

It also claims that most of the Roo squad prefers an 'aggressive style of soccer' that emphasises team work rate.