Socceroos veteran Craig Moore has a message for those predicting Aussie World Cup doom and gloom after defeat prior to their tournament opener - remember Liechtenstein.

Moore was part of the Socceroos' less-than-stellar lead-in to the 2006 World Cup, in which tiny Liechtenstein terrified the Australians in a friendly by going a goal up through poor defending.

The Socceroos eventually recovered for an unconvincing 3-1 win as serious defensive frailties were exposed in the match in the German town of Ulm.

A week later, Australia fixed the issues and produced a famous World Cup opening match win over Japan before a rocket ride to the round of 16.

Moore admitted the Socceroos defence needed to lift on what they delivered in their 3-1 friendly loss to the United States in Roodepoort in their final pre-World Cup hitout at the weekend before their clash with Germany on Sunday (Monday AEST).

"They certainly created chances ... but cast your mind back four years," Moore said.

"I think our last friendly game was against Liechtenstein and it certainly wasn't a fantastic performance either.

"You want to perform well and you want to get results - that's the line of business we're in.

"But it didn't happen today. We come away disappointed but certainly not down and out.

"If we're going to suffer a defeat, I'd much rather it be here than next week."

Socceroos defender Luke Wilkshire admitted it was disappointing to concede three goals - only the second time it has happened in coach Pim Verbeek's 30-match reign.

"We can stop the silly mistakes. they could have scored five or six today," Wilkshire said.

"The most disappointing thing is - especially the first goal - it was down to ourselves."

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