Hamstring tear ends World Cup for Franjic

Socceroos defender Ivan Franjic's World Cup appears to be over, with scans revealing the 26-year-old tore his hamstring in the 3-1 loss to Chile.

Franjic underwent scans on his right hamstring on Saturday and they confirmed he has torn the muscle, which will rule the right-back out of Australia's next two group matches against the Netherlands and Spain.

"Unfortunately Ivan's scans aren't positive, which isn't good for himself or us," Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said on Saturday.

Franjic injured his hamstring in the opening minutes of the second half against Chile in Cuiaba on Friday when he leapt for a high ball.

The Brisbane Roar defender had created Australia's goal to get the Socceroos back in the contest, crossing for Tim Cahill to score, but was ably replaced in the second half by Ryan McGowan, who has claimed he would be ready to step in against the Netherlands if selected.

McGowan is better known as a central defender and had a tough outing at right-back in Australia's 6-0 loss to Brazil in September, but insists he is comfortable as a full-back.

"I played a lot of (times at) right-back when I was at Hearts, I don't feel out of place there at all," McGowan said.

The Socceroos next World Cup assignment will be against a red-hot Dutch side, fresh from humilating reigning Champions Spain 5-1. The match will be played at Estadio Beira-Rio, kicking off 2am Thursday morning (AEST).

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