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Just hours before the Socceroos lost 3-1 to the United States on Saturday, the team was rocked by the news that back-up goalkeeper Jones would be forced to leave the squad after his four-year-old son Luca was diagnosed with the illness the previous day.

The news obviously had a fair impact on the squad as the Socceroos conceded three goals, the most they've allowed in a match since coach Pim Verbeek took over the squad in February 2008.

But already the side was looking to support 28-year-old stopper Jones, with Tim Cahill celebrating his goal for Australia with a babe-in-arms gesture, while Luke Wilkshire simply pointed to the sky.

And skipper Neill said the sad news would only give the Australians more incentive when they take on Germany in the World Cup Group D opener.

"That's actually galvanised the team again," Neill said as the team arrived in camp in Muldersdrift just outside of Johannesburg.

"(It) gives us just that extra inspiration we needed to want to be successful."

But Neill was more than aware the Germans, who have suffered a difficult World Cup build-up themselves with injuries to key players like Michael Ballack and Christian Trasch, will present Australia with one the most difficult tasks in the country's football history.

"Germany are a superior team to Australia and clearly they're favourites," Neill said. "Their record in World Cups suggest they are the most consistent team in world football.

"(So) if it's a draw, then it's a fantastic result. If we can cause an upset by winning the game, then we'll have shocked the world."

In some bad news for Verbeek, star forward Cahill, suffered a minor neck injury against the United States although it is unlikely to rule him out of the clash with Germany, while Brett Emerton trained strongly as he looks to recover from a calf injury.

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