THough he didn’t show his potential in the game against Lichtenstein (a game which was won by Australia 3-1), the fact that Kewell played is a gain on its own.

Kewell strained a groin muscle while playing for Liverpool in the FA Cup final on 13 May and the injury had cast doubt on his participation at Germany 2006. However, after undergoing extensive treatment, Kewell was included in Australia’s starting line-up for their last warm-up match at the Donaustadion, which lies between Stuttgart and Munich.

Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink was far from happy with his team’s unconvincing display against Liechtenstein and he highlighted Kewell’s comeback as one of the few plus points on a night where Australia failed to capture the sort of form they found in their previous game, a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands.

Hiddink warned there was still work to do before the FIFA World Cup as the Dutchman said: “He (Kewell) is not in full shape but that’s why these games are very important for him. Of course he will be there if he makes progress in the next few days.”

Expectations are running high among the faithful and they feel much more is to come from Kewell. Australia fan Peter Higgs, who has flown over from Sydney especially to watch the FIFA World Cup, said: “I believe Harry is an essential component of the team and he’s our spearhead. He’s my favourite player and let’s hope he steers clear of injury so he can help us become a force to be reckoned with.

“We’re here in the home of Einstein and I think Harry’s going to make the ball go with such mathematical precision, it’s going to be even better than E=MC²!”

As theories go, that one may require some refinement with relatively little time to make such a dramatic improvement, but at least Kewell boarded the team bus with the smile back on his face.

He looks fit and ready to go.

Source: WCoffsite