Verbeek sets Australia modest World Cup target

Reuters - Today, 05:51

SYDNEY, May 11 (Reuters) - Australia coach Pim Verbeek has set a modest goal for the Socceroos at the World Cup finals in South Africa, targeting a spot in the second round to match their 2006 campaign in Germany.

"My expectation is that we can go to the final 16," Verbeek told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday.

"We all know we've got a tough group but we all know that Australian mentality is they love a challenge, they love to play tough games and that's what I feel from my players.

"They know that it's tough and they will be prepared. We will do everything possible to be in the final 16."

Australia, 20th in FIFA's latest world rankings, will play sixth-ranked Germany, world number 16 Serbia and Ghana (32) in Group D, one of the toughest at the June 11-July 11 tournament.

Drawn with Brazil, Croatia and Japan in 2006 at their first World Cup appearance in 32 years, the Socceroos advanced to the second round where they lost to eventual champions Italy after a controversial last-minute penalty.

Some pundits have tipped the Socceroos, galvanised by the experience binding the Europe-based veterans of the 2006 campaign, to progress as far as the quarter-finals.

With most of his first team well established, Verbeek unveiled few surprises in an expanded 31-man squad for the South Africa finals on Tuesday, ensuring speculation for the final 23 to be named on June 1 remains squarely on the fringes.

Despite injury concerns dogging first-choice selections, Verbeek said one of his greatest dilemmas was sifting through a glut of candidates in defence.

"Central defenders, of course you had a lot of them and you have to only pick four (or) five. That was difficult in that position," he said.

Verbeek named Middle-East based defender Michael Beauchamp to compete with Middlesbrough rookie Rhys Williams, Japan-based Mark Milligan and uncapped Aston Villa junior Shane Lowry to compete for back-up spots behind stalwarts Lucas Neill and Craig Moore.

The straight-talking Dutchman also felt compelled to play down concerns over a recurring groin injury that has seen Harry Kewell play only a few minutes for Turkish side Galatasaray this year and cast his World Cup preparations in doubt.

"There are rumours, there are opinions, but Harry will be ready," Verbeek earlier told reporters.

"We still have five weeks to prepare for the first game against Germany, so don't worry, Harry will be there."

Verbeek will have a week-long camp ahead of a May 24 friendly against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand to hone the squad.

Australia play Germany in their first World Cup match on June 13.


http://fourfourtwo.com/news/worldcup2010/53925/default.aspx

Honestly I think we will struggle to get out of our group. Honestly. If we do we have pulled off an almost miracle.

realistically its preety obvious mate like NZ in the group stages. The 06 squad is Real Madrid compared to this squad which can be described as Hull City

Honestly I think we will struggle to get out of our group. Honestly. If we do we have pulled off an almost miracle.

Group stage exit. WIll be hard to finish above Ghana or Serbia, and Germany will not exit the group.

That right there is a massive call. Usually one big side doesn't make it through, but I'd think that would be over in portugal's group.

What makes you say germany won't make it? Have you seen them in qualifying?

Serbia's defence is the least of our problems when there's the likes of Kacar, Jankovic, Krasic, Stankovic and Kuzmanovic in the midfield. the way to beat serbia is to have McDonald run AT Vidic and play the ball down the wings.

Pretty sure he's saying Germany will not exit the tournament at the group stage.

Actually come to think if it even better than Macca is Rukavytska he's the fastest player in the squad and would leave Vidic for dead given the right service.

Play both of them with Cahill in behind, move the ball down the flanks around the midfield and attack with pace. Their biggest weakness is Vidic and their fullbacks. But taht won't happen because Verbeek doesn't grasp the concept of attacking football.

Vidic, one of the best centre backs in the world is their weakness? :lol:

Bloody new dawners :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

We probably are good enough to beat ghana on our day although that wont be a walk in the park. Many australian's are underestimating serbia. There centre-half pairing of vidic (manchester united) and ivanovic (chelsea) is one of the best in the world and there a very strong defensive unit. Up against them we will have a not fully fit harry kewell or josh kennedy. I appreciate the whole aussie spirit hard-working team etc and fans supporting there team by having faith etc..but seriously it is a mammoth challenge and we shouldnt be dissapointed if we fall just short of getting out of the group if we remain competitive.

you have forgotten that we have SUPERMOORE to break up any speedy counter attack with his vast experience and knowledge ????????

Vidic has had a very mediocre season and he has been exposed time and again by strikers running directly at him. See Torres, Bellamy, etc.

Bloody TWGF old farts. Fuck off.