Australians wary of poisoning attempts in Uruguay

A diplomatic row is threatening to overshadow the World Cup play-off between Australia and Uruguay in Montevideo on Sunday.

Australia's ambassador to Argentina Sarhym Miraham has asked for increased security for the Australian team - who have a 1-0 lead from the first leg - after the squad was barged and spat at by fans when they arrived at Montevideo airport two days ago.

Illness for defender Craig Moore has also seen the Australians start to worry over food poisoning attempts in the build-up to the decisive game.

The ambassador who also represents Australia in Uruguay says the team were subjected to an "unexpected, unusual and unpleasant" incident at the airport.

"Everyone is in agreement that they have to increase security measures", she said.

Soccer Australia chairman Ian Knop says security had been raised "quite dramatically" with the arrival of a federal policeman from Buenos Aires to oversee security for the Australian players.

The hasty arrangements for the security of the team in Montevideo can be blamed on the fact that Australia only knew their play-off opponents last week.

Knop is also preparing to fly in a chef to cook for the Australian team to alleviate fears of food poisoning after Moore's illness which is not expected to prevent him from playing at the weekend.