Australia soccer coach Pim Verbeek challenged midfielder Harry Kewell to step up and prove his ability to turn around Australia's World Cup campaign, local media reported on Tuesday.

Australia's hopes of advancing to the second round of the 2010 World Cup hanging by a thread after losing 4-0 to Germany in their first group match and losing midfielder Tim Cahill to suspension.

Verbeek challenged Kewell to play a leading role in Saturday's do-or-die clash, according to the Australian Online.

Despite the Australians chasing the game against Germany for almost the entire 90 minutes, Verbeek kept regulars Kewell, Mark Bresciano and Josh Kennedy on the bench.

But with Tim Cahill suspended for this weekend's clash with Ghana in Rustenburg after being sent off against Germany, Verbeek is ready to unleash at least Kewell.

Kewell, 31, unwittingly became the victim of a medical mishap when staples that should have helped heal his groin after an operation, instead has pitched him into a world of pain.

Kewell has barely kicked a ball in anger in 2010 after suffering an ongoing groin injury.

Verbeek said that Kewell has no problem with his injury, the question is if Kewell can play for 90 minutes and if he is willing to take a risk with a player.

Australia will next face Ghana on June 19 in Rustenberg, South Africa on Jun. 19.