Beckenbauer wary of Socceroos challenge

FRANZ BECKENBAUER has predicted a place in the semi-finals for Germany at the World Cup, but warned them at the same time not to underestimate their opening opponents Australia.

Beckenbauer, who is one of only two people to have won the World Cup both as a player and a manager, yesterday gave the current crop of talent his thumbs up and challenged the current coach Joachim Low to lead them into the last four.

“I saw the (friendly) games against Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina on TV and what I saw was a lot of good movement, an enjoyment in their game and signs that things are working,” said the 64-year-old.