MELBOURNE, May 26 - With the deafening roar of 95,000 fans still ringing in their ears, Australia set off for Europe on Friday confident they could give a good account of themselves at the World Cup finals starting next month.

An assured 1-0 victory over European champions Greece at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday under their belt, Guus Hiddink's side have developed a swagger suggesting they fully deserve their place at football's top table in Germany.

"Other teams can underestimate us," match-winner Josip Skoko said. "All we have to worry about is our own jobs. We think we can surprise some people."

Skipper Mark Viduka said the side had some way to go but would use the remaining time as best they could.

"It was a good performance before a full house. We've got time on our hands and we can iron out all the wrinkles."

While Hiddink was eager to pour cold water on growing domestic expectations, there seems genuine grounds for optimism.

Starting with a 4-3-3 formation on Thursday, a midfield marshalled by Skoko and Vince Grella displayed excellent movement and adapted well to the Dutch coach's changes.

With Viduka relishing the captaincy and Craig Moore enjoying his partnership with Lucas Neill in central defence, Australia are starting to believe qualification for their first finals since 1974 was no fluke.

Foremost in everyone's minds as the team left on Friday was the opening Group F match against Japan on June 12.

Defeat in Kaiserslautern would make qualification almost impossible with reigning champions Brazil and Croatia rounding out the group, but Australia have waited long enough to be ready.

CUP HEARTACHE

Absent from the finals since they were last held in Germany, the Socceroos have endured more than their fair share of World Cup heartache.

The Aussies fell at the final qualifying hurdle against Scotland for the 1986 finals and then to Argentina (1994).

They reached their nadir against Iran in their bid to reach France 98 when coached by Englishman Terry Venables, as two late goals consigned Australia to another miserable last-gasp exit.

Uruguay spoiled the party in 2001 but four years later on a balmy night in Melbourne, Australia got their revenge.

Striker John Aloisi hit the decisive shootout spot kick at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in November to send Uruguay home and for once usurp rugby league, tennis and cricket from the front and back pages Down Under.

But Hiddink, who will take over as Russia coach when Australia's run in the tournament is over, says he goes into the finals in a positive mood.

"I have a lot of faith in these players," the Dutchman said.

"They have the correct mentality and they are hungry to succeed. They are very competitive and they know how to get results."

Australia face Brazil in Munich on June 18 before the clash that could prove key to their hopes of progression against Croatia in Stuttgart on June 22.