SYDNEY, Australia (AP) _ Australian soccer hopes to use momentum gathered at this year's World Cup to boost its popularity among sports fans absorbed by oval-ball games when the national A-League begins its second season Saturday.

Australia reached the second round at the World Cup in Germany in July, bringing joy to existing soccer supporters, who have often lived on Australian sport's periphery, and attracting new followers who have brought the game toward the national mainstream.

The A-League will seek to capitalize on that groundswell of interest to enlarge soccer's following and give the sport standing in Australia similar to that of rugby union, rugby league and Australian rules football _ the nation's winter obsessions.

The absence of many of the stars of the Australian World Cup team, who play professionally in Europe, may take some lustre from the league but it is seen as retaining enough star power to excite soccer followers, both old and new.

``We don't have to justify the credibility of the game, following on from last year's success of the A-League and the Socceroos at the World Cup,'' Football Federation Australia operations chief Matt Carroll said.

``The game now has that mainstream acceptance. We are capitalizing on that.''

Last year's inaugural A-League achieved average attendances of 11,000 and is aiming to boost that to 15,000 this season. League champions Sydney FC attracted 20,000 fans per game last year.

The FFA also has signed a $101 million Cdn deal with pay TV provider Foxtel to ensure all A-League matches will be televised live.

Off-season signings by most clubs have helped to create a pool of cosmopolitan talent.

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has been passed fit after overcoming a groin strain to start the season with Sydney.

``Dwight has done everything expected of him this week and some extra training sessions so he is fit and putting his hand up to play,'' said Terry Butcher, who took over from Pierre Littbarski as Sydney manager.

Melbourne has boosted its roster with the signing of three players from Brazil and one from Scotland, and coach Ernie Merrick believes expectations of the team will rise accordingly.

``We want to make the finals this year,'' he said.

Adelaide won this year's A-League Pre-Season Cup and is thought likely to build on a strong first season.

``The second season is always the hardest,'' said captain Ross Aloisi. ``All the teams have improved and are looking very, very strong. It's going to be a fantastic year for supporters of football.''

Adelaide has retained Chinese striker Shenqqing Qu, who was one of the most effective finishers in the league last season.

Nick Theodorakopoulos has taken over from Richard Money as manager at Newcastle, who had a steady first season. The signing of Socceroos striker Joel Griffiths and Colombian Milton Rodriguez has added strength to a stable squad.

Perth Glory had a difficult first season under former England international Steve McMahon and finished fifth after a series of internal disputes.

The club's ownership changed between seasons and FFA technical analyst Ron Smith was appointed coach shortly before the Pre-Season Cup.

The New Zealand Knights, who ended last year in a distant last place with only one win from 21 games, have built strength between seasons. Central Coast and the Queensland Roar are also expected to contribute to a deeper, more competitive league.