However, the Socceroos' top goal scorer will miss Saturday's match against Ghana which they must at least draw to leave a realistic chance of remaining in the tournament.

Australia were beaten 4-0 by Germany [ Images ], with Cahill sent off for a foul on Bastian Schweinsteiger early in the second half.

The one-match suspension was the minimum punishment that FIFA [ Images ] could have imposed on the player.

Germany and Ghana have three points each after first match wins, while Australia and Serbia have none, meaning the Socceroos need at least a draw to keep their hopes alive of advancing to the knock-out stages, particularly if Germany beat Serbia as expected.

Cahill's absence could see Harry Kewell, returning from a long-standing groin injury, in the starting line-up to help press for goals.