Kennedy goal sees Australia past Denmark

A scrambled goal by Australia striker Josh Kennedy after 71 minutes delivered a 1-0 victory over Denmark in a scrappy World Cup warm-up Tuesday.

Japan-based Kennedy appeared to have lost his chance when a looping header off a cross went skywards, but he reacted quickest as the ball dropped and poked the ball past goalkeeper Stephan Anderson.

Australia were the first country to arrive in South Africa for the June 11-July 11 international football showpiece and success came after a week of training at a northern Johannesburg college.

The Socceroos have tough first-round obstacles to clear in three-time champions Germany, Ghana and Serbia while the draw was slightly kinder to a Danish team grouped with the Netherlands, Cameroon and Japan.

Thousands of schoolchildren blowing vuvuzela plastic trumpets created a lively atmosphere at the picturesque setting in a suburb on the western outskirts of Johannesburg.

But a goalless first half proved less exciting with few chances created by either team in the first of two warm-ups on South African soil with Australia facing USA Saturday and Denmark playing South Africa the same day.

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger gave the Socceroos an early scare with a free kick that was not far off target although fit-again Mark Schwarzer was across his goal quickly to cover.

A sloppy Australian clearance by Schwarzer from Europa League runners-up Fulham offered the Danes a half-chance that was spurned as poor control let down captain Jon-Dahl Tomasson.

Dutch-born coach Pim Verbeek was angered by the tackling of some Socceroos in the recent Melbourne friendly victory over New Zealand and a wild challenge by Luke Wilkshire will not have improved his mood.

Captain Lucas Neill came closest to putting Australia ahead before half-time when his shot after a goalmouth scramble flew just off target in clear and warm autumn conditions.

Christian Poulsen brought the best out of Schwarzer 12 minutes into the second half with a powerful drive the goalkeeper did well to parry before the ball was cleared.