Australia beat Liechtenstein 3-1 in friendly
(AP)
Updated: 2006-06-08 11:20

ULM, Germany -- Australia scored two goals in the last 15 minutes Wednesday to beat Liechtenstein 3-1 in its last warmup for the World Cup.

The teams were tied 1-1 until substitute Joshua Kennedy scored in the 75th minute. John Aloisi added another goal in the 82nd, tapping in a rebound off the goalpost.

"What I cannot stand is the lack of concentration in the first 20 minutes," said Australia coach Guus Hiddink, who also complained of "some very sloppy defense on one, maybe two positions."

The Socceroos open their World Cup play Monday against Japan in Kaiserlautern.

Playing without striker Mark Viduka, Australia dictated the pace but never led until Kennedy jumped for his header goal.

Liechtenstein was hard-pressed to get out of its own half early on, with few offensive options other than the long ball. The tactic worked after eight minutes, when Australia's Lucas Neill headed an own goal from a long-distance free kick.

Mike Sterjovski tapped in one such cross in the 20th minute to make it 1-1.

Australia winger Harry Kewell played 60 minutes after sitting out recent friendlies against Greece (1-0) and the Netherlands (1-1). Kewell injured his groin in Liverpool's FA Cup final win over West Ham last month.

Hiddink also rested goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and several other possible starters.

FIFA ranks Liechtenstein joint No. 123 with Cape Verde Islands, 81 places below Australia. Its team Wednesday featured four full-time professionals and three others with professional experience.