Kewell leads youthful Aussies against China in football match

Harry Kewell is one of only five players from last weekend's win over Qatar selected for Australia's World Cup qualifying 'dead rubber' against China here on Sunday.

The Australians advanced to the final phase of Asian qualifying with their 3-1 win over Qatar in Doha, while the Chinese were eliminated after their 2-1 home defeat to Iraq last weekend.

Coach Pim Verbeek chose four uncapped players for the squad of 18, which includes the five retained from the Doha match: defenders Michael Beauchamp and Jade North, midfielder Carl Valeri and substitute striker Bruce Djite as well as Kewell.

Verbeek has drafted in young stars, including Danish-based striker David Williams, Leeds midfielder Neil Kilkenny, Adelaide striker Kristian Sarkies and Sydney FC recruit Stuart Musialik.

Williams, Musialik, Derby County's Ruben Zadkovich and Melbourne Victory defender Rodrigo Vargas were in line to make their senior debuts.

Michael Petkovic and Ante Covic will fight it out to replace suspended Mark Schwarzer at goalkeeper.

The Chinese team arrived here Thursday with English-based players Sun Jihai (Manchester City) and Zheng Zhi (Charlton) to prepare for their last game in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.

The draw for the final round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers takes place in Kuala Lumpur on June 27.