Socceroos superstar-in-waiting Tim Cahill has issued a blunt warning to the world's superpowers as the Confederations Cup closes in - we're not here to make up the numbers.

Cahill, who looks destined to take over the mantle as the Socceroos' top player from Harry Kewell, is the toast of Australian soccer after a stellar season in England.

The 25-year-old now wants to translate that form onto the biggest stage of his career so far - the Confederations Cup and a tough opening match against host nation Germany in Frankfurt on Wednesday (Thursday AEST).

While confidence is high in the Socceroos' camp, bookmakers believe Cahill and his teammates will be carved up by soccer goliaths Germany and Argentina at the group stage.

British bookmaking firms Sportingodds and Sportingbet have the Socceroos as rank outsiders to win the tournament at 33-1 alongside their other Group A rival Tunisia.

And the bagmen believe the Socceroos' hopes will evaporate completely after the first match, rating Australia 8-1 to beat Germany, with the Germans 11-4 on favourite.

Not surprisingly, Cahill disagrees with the disdain they're being shown.

"We're not here to make up the numbers - we're here to really make a go of it," Cahill said.

"Being the underdogs is fantastic. We've got nothing to lose. As long as we prepare ourselves right and do the right things, then I think we'll do well."

Cahill has emerged as one of the English Premier League's elite box-to-box midfielders this season, helping his club Everton into next season's Champions' League.

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