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Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek fears nobody in Friday’s Asian World Cup qualifying draw, believing performances away from home will again prove Australia’s biggest challenge in the final phase.
Despite last night’s 1-0 loss to China, Australia have moved into the final qualification phase starting in September after topping their group.
They join South Korea, Japan, Bahrain, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates in Friday’s draw in Kuala Lumpur, where the teams will be divided into two groups of five for the final push to South Africa.
The top two in each group will automatically progress to the 2010 World Cup with the two third-placed sides playing off for the right to play an Oceania team for a spot at the finals.
Based on their performance at the 2006 World Cup, Australia are seeded first for the final stage with South Korea No.2, making Verbeek’s former side the only team the Socceroos cannot face in qualifying.
They are assured however of being drawn in the same group as at least one out of heavyweights Japan, Iran and Saudi Arabia, possibly two as Iran and Saudi Arabia are joint fourth seeds.
Verbeek has no preference in opponents, saying Australia already know facing any Asian team away from home is a challenge.
The Socceroos had tricky away assignments in the first phase, including a 0-0 draw with China at 1,900m altitude in Kunming and a 1-0 loss to Iraq in suffocating heat in Dubai.
“For me it (the draw) is totally not important,” Verbeek said.
“Korea, I’m happy I’m not playing against Korea because I know them too well.
“But for the rest I think every team will give us problems.
“Even if you play Uzbekistan away or (United Arab) Emirates away, or Iran away or Japan away, all will be difficult.”
The first round of matches is played on September 6, though the Asian Football Confederation’s tentative schedule suggests the top two seeded teams could have a first-round bye.
The qualifiers continue until June 17 next year with four matches guaranteed to be played in Australia and Verbeek said they are the fixtures where the Socceroos should gain maximum points.
“Again, we should win the home games against whatever opponent we play,” Verbeek said.
“We can win home games and that’s what we have to do next year and then away from home we will see.”
Verbeek hoped to have stars Tim Cahill and Mark Viduka back in the squad at some point during the campaign.
“Timmy Cahill, I have my doubts, because of his (foot) injury and that’s the same with Mark Viduka,” Verbeek said.
“They are available the moment they are fit and ready and that’s the big question we have to wait for.
“But again we have eight games to go, the final game is in June. They will come back.”
The draw for the final stage of Asian qualifying takes place on Friday at 7pm (AEST).
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