The Socceroos look set to gamble on Melbourne Heart centre-back Michael Beauchamp for the biggest game of his career as suspended Craig Moore's World Cup replacement.

Beauchamp, who two months ago was rated no chance to even make the World Cup squad, now looms as coach Pim Verbeek's likely choice to step in for Moore in the do-or-die clash with Serbia.

The veteran defender picked up a second yellow card for the tournament in Australia's 1-1 draw with Ghana on Saturday in Rustenburg, ruling him out of the Serbia clash.

Verbeek has three options to replace Moore - Beauchamp, the versatile Mark Milligan, or sending holding midfielder Mile Jedinak to pinch-hit in central defence.

But Beauchamp, who impressed as a substitute in friendlies against New Zealand and Denmark, appears to have the upper hand for the match in Nelspruit on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).

The 29-year-old's height and strength could be vital in dealing with Serbia's potent aerial threat from 202cm centre-forward Nikola Zigic.

Verbeek was giving little away when asked his thoughts on how to replace Moore, except that Beauchamp - who has just signed with A-League newcomers Heart - figured in his thinking.

"We have enough possibilities (to replace Moore). Michael Beauchamp can play in that position - I have Mark Milligan who can play in that position," Verbeek said.

"I have a few days to think about that. We will miss Craig but we have players who can do a job also."

Beauchamp was once rated Australia's best back-up centre-half behind Neill and Moore but dropped off the radar after falling out of favour at club level in Germany and Denmark.

Just six weeks before the World Cup squad was selected, he broke back into regular football in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Jazira, and it was enough for Verbeek to add him to the final 23-man squad.

Zigic, who has just transferred to English Premier League club Birmingham City, will give the Serbs power and presence up front as they chase the win which would guarantee them a round of 16 berth.

Beauchamp is the tallest of Verbeek's defensive options, and his time playing in Germany has given him experience at dealing with strong, physical forwards.

Socceroos defender David Carney admits Moore's experience will be missed, though he believes any of the three options to replace him can deputise well for what would the biggest game of their careers.

"We've got Meggsy (Beauchamp), Millsy (Milligan), even Mile has played centre-back in training and one of those can step in there and they'll do a good job," Carney told AAP.

"But Moorey's experience and reading of the game, we're really going to miss him."

The Socceroos will again conduct a closed training session on Monday ahead of World Cup history repeating.

Just as they did in 2006 against Croatia, Australia need a result against a Balkan nation for second stage glory.

But they also need favours from elsewhere.

If Australia beat Serbia and Ghana beat Germany, the Socceroos qualify for the second stage.

But an Australian victory and a Germany win won't be enough unless the Germans and/or Australia slam in plenty of goals to balance the goal difference equation in the Socceroos' favour.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP