Dumped Kennedy lambasts coach's tactics

Striker Josh Kennedy has become the first Socceroo to speak out against coach Pim Verbeek's tactics that backfired against Germany at the World Cup, reports said yesterday.

Kennedy, who was a surprise omission along with Harry Kewell and Mark Bresciano for Australia's opening game, told reporters on his arrival home that the Dutchman had got it wrong.

The Japan-based forward blamed Verbeek for not sticking with their game plan and playing a recognised striker up front.

"We lost 4-0 so obviously those tactics and that game plan didn't work," Kennedy said.

Kennedy, who played in Australia's 2-1 win over Serbia in their final group game, said he was caught off-guard by Verbeek's tactical about-turn.

"Definitely, I expected to play. I would have loved to play, that position would have suited me perfectly. Who knows, it might have changed the game completely, we'll never know," he said.

Kennedy said Australia would have been better served to play with him and have Tim Cahill behind him against Germany, as was the case in the last game against Serbia.

"That's the sort of formation and tactics we played," he said.

"So it was obviously a big surprise that I wasn't in the starting line-up against Germany."