To see the Socceroos training in China...


Neill arrived in Kunming to discover Australia will be without a number of the players who starred in the 3-0 win over Qatar in their opening World Cup qualifier in Melbourne last month due to injury.

The Socceroos' attacking options have been significantly limited with Scott McDonald, Mark Viduka, John Aloisi and Josh Kennedy, who scored in Melbourne, unable to make the trip to China.

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is also injured and is joined on the sidelines by another regular in Blackburn defender Brett Emerton.

And the Australians suffered a further blow on Tuesday when young Adelaide striker Bruce Djite tore his hamstring in training.

Neill admits the absence of such important players will make the Socceroos' job in China a difficult one.

"I have just arrived to find out that a few boys have pulled out and it is unfortunate," Neill said.

With so many key players absent and the game being played at 1900 metres above sea level, Neill said the Australians' best hope of victory would be to score first - preferably early on - and then try to defend for the bulk of the game.

"No doubt with the difficulty in breathing (at altitude) we want to make sure we get the first blow in and hold onto that lead," he said.

"I think we have come here to steal a win and that is what we will do."

Australia boss Pim Verbeek, who himself is battling illness after having to cut short a press conference on Tuesday, is expected to pick a defensive 4-5-1 line-up with either Archie Thompson or youngster Mark Bridge expected to play as the lone striker.

Verbeek at least has most of his first-choice defence available with keeper Mark Schwarzer and European-based defenders Michael Beauchamp, David Carney, Luke Wilkshire and Neill all likely to start.

Even a draw would probably keep the Socceroos at the top of the group with only the top two to progress to the final stage of Asian qualifying.

However, China showed their credentials by holding 2007 Asian Cup champions Iraq to a draw away from home in their opening game.

Neill expects the Chinese to be tough opponents even though they will be without star striker Dong Fang, who plays for English Premier League giants Manchester United.

"We are playing a very tough opponent in China, who will fancy themselves to get to the World Cup and at least get through this group," Neill said.

Australia, who will be playing their 100th World Cup qualifying match on Wednesday, do boast an outstanding record against China, however.

Not only did the Socceroos - who are ranked 38 to China's 80 on FIFA's official list - beat China in Guangzhou in March last year but they have won eight of their previous 10 meetings at senior level against the world's most populous nation.

China will turn to their own overseas stars as they attempt to build on a creditable 1-1 draw against Iraq last time out in Dubai.

Charlton Athletic midfielder Zheng Zhi, Energie Cottbus midfielder Shao Jiayi and Manchester City defender Sun Jihai arrived back home on Monday and are all set to play some part against the Australians.

However, full-back Xu Yunlong misses out through injury and is set to be replaced by Feng Xiaoting, while Xiao Zhanbo is expected to claim a central midfield berth as Zhou Haibin is struggling with a hamstring injury for a game that skipper Zheng admits China cannot afford to lose.

"In a home match, a defeat is not acceptable," he said.

"We (the overseas-based players) have returned to help our team to seek a victory."

Meanwhile, Iraq face Qatar at Al Sadd Stadium and new coach Adnan Hamad insisted it was crucial the Asian Cup holders overcome Group One's bottom side after being held by China.

Hamad took over the reins following Egil Olsen's departure after the encounter in Dubai, but will be without playmaker Nashat Akram, who is suspended, and injured defender Bassem Abbas. Midfielder Karrar Jassim and defender Ali Hussain Rahema are also doubts.

"If we want to qualify for the next round, we must get a victory to remain in contention and hopefully we can get three points from this game," he said.

"The game against Qatar will be very hard. It is very important for both sides especially Qatar who have lost their first match and they will be looking to get back on track."

Qatar were outclassed by Australia but will have Brazil-born striker Emerson, who recently received Qatari nationality, and Hussain Yasser available after the latter recovered from injury.

However, Belal Mohammed is definitely out while fellow defender Ibrahim Al Ghanim is questionable.

Khalfan Ibrahim Khalfan is also a doubt with an ankle knock, Al Sadd team-mate Talal Al Baloushi is struggling with a hip problem and prolific striker Sebastian Soria is carrying a groin injury.

Nevertheless, coach Jorge Fossati is confident that a few home truths after the Melbourne defeat can see his side upset the form book.

"After our match against Australia, we sat down and discussed many things," said the Uruguayan.

"I have confidence in my players doing well on home soil. My players are in a better mood now and our preparation has gone well.

"We know Iraq fairly well. I watched their friendly against Kuwait a few days ago having also watched them at the Asian Cup.

"They haven't changed much as far as their tactics are concerned. We know what to expect."

To see the Socceroos training in China...