Midfielder Mark Bresciano is of firm belief that gaining experience in the 2006 World Cup in Germany will hold the Australian team in good stead for the 2010 version which kicks off next month in South Africa.

The 30-year old, who is now a free agent after his contract with Italian club Palermo expired, is banking on the experience of those Socceroos who were involved in Germany to help get the rest of the squad through to at least the group stage this time around.

"Obviously, the game has matured a lot. We are missing some players in respect to 2006 but some new boys have come in who can obviously do the job. We've probably got more experience coming into our second World Cup so things should be ok.," he said.

"Our strength is having that little bit more experience of playing at a tournament like the World Cup. I think the final thing would be the result. I think the way you play - with flare or no flare - that final result, the most important result is getting through to the (next) phase.

"We can't just go out there and hope for the best. We've got our goals and that is to get past the first stage. It's pointless just going there to be a part of it, we've got to try and get something out of it."

Bresciano was asked what he would say to any fresh members of the squad and his reply was: "The first thing, it's the biggest event in the world so they have to enjoy it. To prepare themselves the best way they can, if they get the opportunity to play just to enjoy the game and the atmosphere.

"We have still kept a strong group, a lot of the players that played in 2006 are still here which is a positive thing. That said, we still have some young boys coming through that can give us a hand."

The Melbourne-born Bresciano was looking forward to plenty of support from the Aussie fans in South Africa, beginning with the send off friendly against New Zealand in his hometown on Monday.

"It's beautiful to know that we have got the support of the whole country. They are going to come and travel to South Africa and support us so obviously they are out there to see us do well and hopefully we stay in the competition as long as we can," he added.

"Your confidence grows. You've got the support, you're playing in front of a lot of your supporters which helps a player and we are grateful for that. We saw that in 2006 and we have always seen our fans supporting us all the way through and hopefully on Monday night, playing against New Zealand we can see that support again.

"Obviously we want to win the game because it's an important game but these games are lead-ups to the World Cup. Regardless of the three friendly games we have now with the team, to us it is important because we want to win all of the games but the most important ones are the three games we have in the actual World Cup."