The unlikely figure of defender Luke Wilkshire is shaping as the Socceroos' most likely means of causing one of the great World Cup upsets in their opening match against Germany on Sunday (Monday AEST).

Wilkshire's set-pieces and right-sided crosses have led to goals in the Socceroos' friendly matches, and he has easily been the team's most consistent performer in a patchy lead-in to the tournament.

The 28-year-old remains one of the lowest-profile regular Socceroos.

Playing in Russia for Dynamo Moscow, Wilkshire has become one of coach Pim Verbeek's most important players - first emerging as a Socceroos starter at the World Cup four years ago.

Now he is the designated free-kick and corner taker and a man who has been able to tame the wild Jabulani World Cup ball to create goals for attackers Tim Cahill against the United States and Josh Kennedy versus Denmark.

The Socceroos went into lockdown mode on Wednesday to practice their set-pieces and tactics at a closed training session - Verbeek leaving nothing to chance ahead of his World Cup debut as a head coach.

With a neck injury cloud over Cahill and match fitness a possible issue with fellow strike weapon Harry Kewell, one well-taken free-kick or corner could prove vital in a match where goals are likely to be at a premium.

Germany go into the match boasting a remarkable track record at World Cups - three-time winners and seven-time finalists.

They have not dropped a point in a World Cup opening match since 1986 when the former West Germany drew 1-1 with Uruguay.

But they still went on to make the final - and go into the 2010 version one of the tournament favourites.

Even without injured skipper Michael Ballack, the Socceroos expect the Germans' depth will prove a huge - but not insurmountable test.

"If you're realistic and reasonable then you have to look at Germany as one of the favourites for the World Cup even without Ballack," midfielder Brett Holman told AAP.

"They've probably got enough good players to put out two sides at a World Cup.

"But we've got fantastic quality and the one thing the Australian team's got going for it is everyone believes in each other and believes in themselves.

"Especially when you're a close team and the atmosphere's fantastic, you can do great things."

Verbeek is also set to limit access to the Socceroos' final two sessions in Johannesburg on Thursday and Friday before the team leaves for Durban on match eve.

Assuming all his players are fit, Verbeek's only starting 11 decision will be whether to start with Josh Kennedy or Kewell as his lone striker.

Kennedy, who played for several seasons in Germany, appears most likely to get the nod, with Kewell expected to be injected off the bench.

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