Tim Brown's World Cup dream could be over before it has begun after he fractured his shoulder during New Zealand's 2-1 friendly loss to Australia in Melbourne.

The All Whites vice-captain fell heavily on his shoulder in a bruising first half at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and did not appear for the second spell.

Coach Ricki Herbert will give Brown, who has been a key component in getting the All Whites to the World Cup, every chance to rejoin the squad in South Africa but if surgery is necessary it is unlikely the hardworking midfielder will recover in time for the June 11-July 11 tournament.