The stage is set this Thursday for a pre World Cup classic, Australia vs. Greece to be shown in front of 90,000 fans at the M.C.G. and to be viewed by millions on TV. The European champions didn't qualify for the World Cup finals; however they still believe they have nothing to prove against Australia. On the contrary Australia has another challenge to become recognised as the real deal, in a stage set to rival a World Cup atmosphere in June, and beyond.

In this up and coming friendly there isn't a cup on the line or points in a championship this Thursday, the 25th of May. What is at stake for the Socceroos is a sense of pride, a sense of achievement, as much as a sense of accomplishment to appreciate their first World Cup in many years. Most importantly there is the possibility to win over a nation, and setup a sporting spectacle for a nation that prides itself on sporting achievements locally and abroad. The success of this friendly will not only be judged on the pitch, the success is set to be emulated off the pitch in new sponsorship deals, an attraction for overseas talent for the A-League, and an emerging national competition that could be set to rival the big name players, like AFL, Cricket, and both codes of Rugby.

Gus Hiddink put this match into true perspective in a recent press conference, admitting friendly matches aren't so "friendly" anymore. For Australia; attracting friendly matches is an important step if Soccer in Australia is to grow, and progress towards a permanent appointment on the world stage. Only recently Soccer Australia boasted over an agreement that will see Sydney host two friendly matches per year, a sporting coup for Sydney that is considered the home of soccer to some in Australia.

In recent times Soccer Australia has undergone a major overhaul. Now called Football Federation Australia, and backed by a growing of sponsors, with international names including Hyundai, the National Australia Bank, and SBS Television just to name some. The newly named body is headed by the influential Frank Lowy, and other corporate heavyweights including one of the major contributors behind Melbourne's 2006 Commonwealth Games, and F1 Grand Prix, Ron Walker. The appointment of Gus Hiddink has emulated this success from behind the scenes, onto the pitch reaffirming the current efforts being put into soccer in Australia.

The Socceroos coach Gus Hiddink named the captain for the World Cup finals only today. Mark Viduka looks set to lead Australia into battle against world class opposition, a challenge on a stage fit for Australia's most competent player. He is also set to lead Australia against Greece this Thursday, "He did very well in the qualification rounds and took his responsibility very seriously," Hiddink said.

"It's important for the FFA (Football Federation Australia) to go into the same direction in the upcoming time - the way we have been working in the last period," Hiddink commented. And they have, "If the FFA can continue in that direction with the people who are in charge now, the future of Australian football is improving a lot.

"I'm not the board, I'm not making the decision ... but it's important to have people equipped and already in your own organisation. They know every in and out and what has to be improved."

The path is set for the Socceroos, and for Football Federation Australia. Finally, soccer in Australia is being resurected and walking a positive path. With Gus Hiddink as coach, and a talented squad that walk could develop into much more with years to come.

However the immediate success resides on the result of the friendly against Greece. Regardless of the result the Socceroos are still heading to Germany. What is more important is the Socceroos will have the hopes of a nation behind them cheering for a victory, and the nation will be hoping Australia can continue on the momentum gained in qualifying for the World Cup. It looks certain the only step for Australia is forward, win, or lose this Thursday.