Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick says the A-League has a responsibility to ride the World Cup wave, and that Olympic Park will be in party mode for Friday night's match against Central Coast Mariners.

Merrick said soccer in Australia had never had a better opportunity to capitalise on media attention and public interest, and everyone involved in the sport had to grasp it.

"We all have an obligation," Merrick said.

"The A-League have done that really well and we must continue to do that.

"Tomorrow night we look forward to putting on a great show and a performance.

"But it will be a celebration as well, fireworks, the lot, the Socceroos have just done so well."

Such was the festive mood that Merrick said Socceroos and Victory striker Archie Thompson would be excused for turning up to Friday night's game adversely affected by his celebrations.

"If he's recovered from a hangover and his celebrations, which he's entitled to after 32 years, he will definitely be straight into the team, should he feel up to it," Merrick said.

Captain Kevin Muscat will also return to the Victory line-up, after missing last week's draw against Newcastle through suspension.

Fellow defender Geoffrey Claeys, who also missed last week with suspension, will not return to the side, as he has both a groin strain and a virus.

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