By Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport in Munich

Kewell is keen to make up for his missed chance against Brazil

The Socceroos need at least a point in their last group game against Croatia to book a last 16 spot and help boost the game's popularity back home.

"We are out here to enjoy ourselves but hopefully also put Australia back on the football map," he told BBC Sport.

"The more respect we get the more the people back home will play it."

Australia last appeared at a World Cup finals when it was held in the former West Germany in 1974 and they were eliminated at the group stage.

Kewell is keen to avoid such a long gap between tournaments this time around and knows the onus is on the current crop to raise the profile of the game in Australia.

The belief showed out there on the pitch against Brazil Harry Kewell

The star player for the Socceroos added: "We can only make it grow by how we play and that moves us further up the ladder."

Kewell will have an added motivation against Croatia as he seeks to make up for his missed chance during the game against Brazil on Sunday.

He could have levelled at 1-0 but blazed over after a fumble by Brazil keeper Dida before the impressive Australian side were beaten 2-0.

"The belief showed out there on the pitch against Brazil," he said.

"We closed them down and created chances and it was just disappointing we didn't finish ours.

"We have taken confidence, although I don't know about that when it comes to me in front of goal.