Dale Chipperfield, from Corrimal, hasn't spoken to the 68-cap veteran since Australia bowed out of South Africa 2010 despite victory against Serbia on Thursday morning.

But reports from the tournament indicate the Bellambi product will retire from national duties.

"There's no point in continuing. I'm happy, it's a good way to finish up," Chipperfield said after Australia's 2-1 win.

"There's the Asian Cup in January, but I think that's a good opportunity to bring some young players through and give them experience."

With the former Wollongong Wolf flying back to his Swiss base, Mrs Chipperfield wouldn't be shocked if she had watched her son in the green and gold for the last time.

"I haven't heard from him, he wrote on Facebook that it might be his last game," Mrs Chipperfield said. "I haven't spoken to him since before the game.

"It wouldn't surprise me."

Suspecting failure to advance would mean the 34-year-old's swansong, Mrs Chipperfield braved a cold early start to watch the match at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow.

If it was the final appearance of an international career that started in 1998 - and included a self-funded trip to play a World Cup qualifier in 2002 - Mrs Chipperfield believes it was a fitting exit.

"It's sad in one way, but it's got to happen sometime," she said. "At least he went out a winner. He's done a lot of people proud.

"He played in two World Cups and there's only a few who can say they've done that.

"I never expected he would do what he has when he was younger - he seemed happy to play with his mates but he got picked a couple of times and stuck at it."

The World Cup has been emotional for Chipperfield and his legion of supporters - he was dropped after the first-up hiding against Germany, but responded with sparkling efforts off the bench against Ghana and the White Eagles.