Two-time Danish World Cup goal-keeper Thomas Sorensen has warned his homeland they risk "looking stupid" if they fail to take the Socceroos seriously in the group stages of the tournament in Russia.
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The Socceroos showed promise in a scoreless draw against Columbia at Craven Cottage on Wednesday morning as new coach Bert van Marwijk settles into the role just two months before the World Cup.
It was a massive improvement from a 4-1 thumping against Norway last weekend, which prompted a headlines in Denmark poking fun at the "humilated" Socceroos.
But Sorensen, who played 101 internationals for Denmark and two seasons for Melbourne City, insists the Socceroos should not be taken lightly.
"I think the Socceroos are just trying to find their feet under a new manager ... you can't put too much into results right now," Sorensen as part of a visit in Canberra on Wednesday.
"This is the last chance to try things. I'm sure Australia will be ready for the World Cup when it comes around.
"If you don't show Australia respect [at the World Cup] ... they've caused a lot of teams problem. If you don't take that seriously and you overlook them, you're stupid.
"The expectation in Denmark is the game against Australia is the one Denmark has to win. But Australia will be saying the same. I don't think anyone is looking down on Australia."
The Socceroos have been drawn in the same pool as Denmark, France and Peru for the World Cup, which starts on June 14.
It gives Marwijk limited time to put his imprint on the team after taking over from Ange Postecoglou.
Canberra junior Tom Rogic will be targeting World Cup redemption after injury ruined his campaign before it started four years ago, and Sorensen says the 25-year-old can become a genuine international star.
"The World Cup is the best window to showcase yourself, all of the Australian players will be looking to that," Sorensen said.
"Everyone already has a sense of who [Rogic] is, a good World Cup can only help."
Sorensen was in Canberra as part of a 3500 kilometre ride from Adelaide to Sydney, aiming to raise more than $100,000 for seriously ill children and their family as part of the Starlight hospital program.
He decided to make the gruelling journey after retiring from professional soccer last year, ending a 24-year that saw him play at the 2002 and 2010 World Cups and more than 400 games in England.
Canberra was one of the last stops on his ride before moving to Goulburn, Nowra and finishing at the Botanic Gardens in Sydney.
He met with families and patients at the Starlight Foundation's paediatric playroom at the Centenary Hospital for women and children on Wednesday.
"It's been so rewarding. We've done almost 3000 kilometres now, everyone has been fantastic and we've raised a fair bit of money which has been great," Sorensen said.
"The toughest was going over Mt Kosciuszko. We had some that didn't make it and then we backed it up with 170 kilometres to get to Canberra.
"Without the charity part, I wouldn't be doing it. It's something that's very important to me and that's why it's great to make that connection when you meet people, you see where it's all going.
"To bring a smile to someone's face or give them a lift ... the mental side of things, a bit of brightness, sometimes that's more important."
