Coach Graham Arnold accused a number of his players of 'not wanting to be here' after their humbling 3-1 defeat to Iraq on Friday that leaves the Socceroos in need of a win against the co-hosts to stand any chance of qualifying for the last eight.

Arnold later admitted the remark was an attempt to get his side fired up for tonight`s encounter but it was too late to prevent reports of disharmony in the camp.

However, Liverpool star Kewell admitted the bond within the team could not be better and the players are eager to make up for a disappointing tournament so far.

"I think the media people out here speculate, they get a whiff of something and blow it out of proportion," he said.

"I have been with the Australia team for 10 years and my experience is that I have never seen a rift.

"We have got such a great team bonding, we get on well with each other and I think every manager that has been here we have respected him and played to the way he wants us to play."

Kewell admitted the players only have themselves to blame after below-par displays in their opening 1-1 draw with Oman and the defeat to Iraq that leaves Australia's qualification hopes in the balance.

"I don't think you can blame the heat, you can't blame anything," added the 28-year-old.

"The only people you can blame are the players.

"We are working hard, there is no doubt about that, we are trying our best but it is just not coming off at the moment.

"Teams are coming up against us and maybe they are showing a little but more of what we should be showing."