MELBOURNE, May 25 (SW) - Australia have started there World Cup build up with a 1-0 victory over european champions, Greece.

Josip Skoko scored for the socceroos after 15 minutes, with a left foot volley that had broke to him from Marco Bresciano's corner. Bresciano also had a freekick glance the post just after Angelos Haristeas had Greece's best chance of the first half, but sent his shot over the bar.

Greece improved in the second half after a series of substitutions, as Charisteas nearly levelled with a header and Theo Zagorakis should have kept a good chance on target. Australia still looked dangerous though, with Sterjovski nearly heading a second towards the end of the game.

Australia showed a great deal of motivation for the friendly, as they played infront of over 95,000 spectators, a record crowd for a football game at the Melbourne cricket ground.

Brazil, Croatia and Japan will be join Australia in group F of this summers World Cup.