We’re still not over THAT “dive” that knocked the Socceroos out of the 2006 World Cup at the hands of eventual winners Italy, but 8 years on, Socceroos great Harry Kewell says diving isn’t a major issue in the game, and won’t be at Brazil 2014.

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Kewell made the surprising revelation as part of his blog for online bookmaker sportsbet.com.au, saying “I don’t believe there is much diving going on in top level football. I know it is a bugbear for lots of Australian fans because we weren’t brought up to play that way.”

“If you ask me, it is the defenders who are getting cheekier,” he added.

In the first of a series of blogs for Sportsbet, the veteran of two World Cups identified James Holland as the Socceroo who he expects to take the next step and burst onto the world stage.

“He runs all day, chases, makes challenges and gets the ball before laying it off to those other players who can cause damage going forward. I absolutely love those types of player,”, said Kewell.

While his heart will obviously be with Australia, Kewell isn’t predicting a great time in their opening game against Chile after declaring the South American side as his “Darkhorse” to take home the Cup.

Kewell’s thoughts on diving, video referee technology, the Socceroos chances and much more can be found at Harry Kewells Wonderings

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Markets courtesy of sportsbet.com.au
Australia v Chile

$9.00   Australia

$4.33   Draw

$1.44   Chile

Australia v Netherlands

$10      Australia

$4.60   Draw

$1.36   Netherlands

Australia v Spain

$15      Australia

$6.00   Draw

$1.22   Spain

Tournament Winner

$3.90   Brazil

$5.00   Argentina

$7.00   Germany

$7.50   Spain

…………………..

$751    Australia