Drawn in an unforgiving group with champions Spain, 2010 runners-up Holland and a strong Chilean team, Australia have it all to do to make a World Cup impact.

But a young side should seize the day and enjoy the experience in the belief they can punch above their weight, team ambassador and former star Craig Moore said Saturday.

"The modern game is all about mobility, and if the young players can perform well then it's a great opportunity to play on the world stage," said former defensive linchpin Moore.

Moore told AFP he accepted the Socceroos were "in transition" but said he was sure they would not be found wanting for effort as they look to spring surprises, starting with the Chileans in Cuiaba on Friday.

The two countries faced off on Australia's World Cup debut in 1974 and the Aussies managed to hold the South Americans to a goalless draw.

"At the end of the day the squad is in a process of transition -- but some have been here before (to World Cups). Tim Cahill and Mark Bresciano are fantastic leaders and bring experience," Moore noted.

Australia's most capped player Mark Schwarzer last week expressed concern about how inexperienced Ange Postecoglou's World Cup squad is.

Schwarzer noted veteran defender Luke Wilkshire was left off the final 23 while playmaker Tom Rogic lost out through injury and several top names such as Harry Kewell have recently retired from the international game.

But Moore said he saw an impressive crop of players ready to strut their stuff.

Coming into the tournament, "we seem to be really on top of things."

Moore said it was noticeable that several sides, including England and Holland as well as the Socceroos, are putting faith in youth in Brazil.

Therefore, "what you're going to see is a World Cup full of youfthful exuberance," he predicted.

Moore said Australia would look to be still in the hunt for making the second phase for only the second time by the time they take to the field to meet Spain on June 23 in Curitiba.

But he said they had to ensure they showed their mettle from the outset.

"The first game is always very important. You have to get off to a good start and set the tone."