To see the Socceroos arrive in Johannesburg...

To see rivals Germany train...

To see rivals Serbia train...
  

Pim Verbeek's 28-man squad arrived well ahead of most of their rivals and were taken through a terminal reserved for teams and FIFA officials at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport.

Organising committee CEO Danny Jordaan welcomed the Australian team and said it was a significant step in the World Cup's preparations.

"We are pleased to welcome Australia as the first team to arrive in our country," he said. "We all know that the stadiums are all ready, everything is in place and now the teams are finally here.

"More importantly though, our people are ready. From now, we have to concentrate on the kickoff match in few days time."

Dutch-born coach Verbeek said he was pleased Australia was the first team to arrive and that he was looking forward to ramping up preparations.

"First of all I want to say that we are very excited to be here in South Africa," said Verbeek. "I have been in this country about eight or nine times already and I have always enjoyed my stay here.

"It's a great country and they have some of the best hotels. Now we are here for a different reason, we are here to compete.

"However, I know it's not going to be easy, we have a tough group with some quality teams."

Verbeek said all attention was now focussed on getting the desired result in the opening game of the campaign against Germany in Durban on June 13.

He added: "The most important thing for us is to win our first game.

"We have given ourselves plenty of time to prepare and acclimatise to the local conditions. The players will have to get used to the altitude and the few warm-up matches will help us a lot in achieving this.

"When playing in the World Cup, you have to prepare yourself and make sure the team is in good condition."

On Thursday, the touring party will be officially welcomed by Australia's High Commissioner in South Africa.

Brazil is the next team to arrive on Thursday, while Australia's Group D rivals, Germany (June 7), Ghana (June 7) and Serbia (June 8) will not arrive until shortly before the tournament.

To see the Socceroos arrive in Johannesburg...

To see rivals Germany train...

To see rivals Serbia train...