Surface tension for Australia

Australia's preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup have been thrown into turmoil with coach Pim Verbeek describing the surface at Ruimsig Stadium, the Socceroos' new training ground, as "hopeless".

Australia's South Africa adventure began at St Stithians College in suburban Johannesburg but this week the squad will move training operations to the ground where they played friendlies against Denmark and the United States.

The pitch at Ruimsig Stadium has been widely criticised by players, with chunks taken out of the turf on several occasions during the two matches.

Verbeek has asked Australia officials to canvas other options, but it believed they will be unable to move to another base at such short notice.

The Dutchman was critical when asked about his thoughts on the pitch after the 3-1 loss to the USA on Saturday night.

"It looked very good when we started it was hopeless when we finished," he said.

"Okay, we have to get used to that. We have to use it for 10 days. Maybe it's good not to train on a not so good field, and I hope that the World Cup stadium will be very good."

Australia will begin training at Ruimsig Stadium on Monday, with their first World Cup match against Germany taking place next Sunday in Durban.
http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/socceroos/news/1006461/Surface-tension-for-Australia