Hiddink coy on starting lineup

Guus Hiddink believes key midfielders Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell would struggle to play 90 minutes against the Japanese in Kaiserslautern, although when they will play some part in the game, still remains a mystery to everyone.

Guus Hiddink believes key midfielders Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell would struggle to play 90 minutes against the Japanese in Kaiserslautern, although when they will play some part in the game, still remains a mystery to everyone.

Most expect Cahill to start against Japan, while Kewell will start from the bench and be used as an impact player, much like he did against Uruguay.

Hiddink refused to reveal his line-up and will wait till after Sunday afternoon-s training session at the Fritz-Walter Stadium in Kaiserslautern before deciding on the final make up of his side.

"The circumstances with weather will be rather tough at 3.00pm," said Hiddink, when asked if both could play a full 90 minutes against Japan. “So I don-t think they are both capable to play for 90 minutes.

"Timmy is doing all the practices in the last week, so that-s encouraging. Harry Kewell has also participated in the last few training sessions whereas before he did not."

"So on full 90 minutes, I have my doubts about it."

Hiddink also confirmed that while it has been a short preparation, he is comfortable with where they are at for the match against Japan.

"I am happy with the development of the team," he said. "Of course it-s short. Everyone is coming out of its league, everyone to travel to Australia, but that-s not a problem because we had a terrific farewell game. "

"The boys have worked hard every day on all issues, physically and also tactically, so we must be fit now and not complain now, and not afterwards, about the preparation."

"We don-t consider ourselves as a little group, a group who is afraid to play; there is none of that in these guys. I love working with them, because they go for the adventure and that-s what I like very much."

Hiddink also believes the Japanese team has been moulded somewhat on the Brazilian game and will not be an easy opponent to beat.

"Japan has very mobile attackers," Hiddink said. "Zico (Japan coach and former Brazil star), I think you can see his influence on the Japanese team. I think the Japanese are now playing with a certain likeness, creativity than in the past and has the Brazilian touch."

"Their defence can play tough, which is good, because there is no problem playing tough in this game if played within the rules. They have a good structure in the team and within the team they have specialists that can make a difference."

"I think the team in general is well balanced, so if you keep an eye one (player), you forget about another one, so I don-t like to mention one player in particular, because I think the average level of the Japanese players is high."