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Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek will move closer to filling out the fringes of his World Cup squad after the clash with fellow Asian powerhouse South Korea in Seoul on Saturday night.
Minus several of his star turns, including the injured Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell and clubless Lucas Neill, Verbeek gets a chance to road-test Australia’s depth in the friendly.
Of what would appear 14 certain selections for South Africa next year, just six – Mark Schwarzer, Mark Bresciano, Vince Grella, Jason Culina, Josh Kennedy and Scott McDonald – are part of the squad in Seoul.
Twenty-three players will be selected in the final World Cup squad, and injuries are certain to also play a part.
Verbeek admitted the opportunity to see some fringe players perform against quality opposition was an enticing prospect for him as judgement day drew closer.
“At this moment to see some new players play, to see them play well, that gives me a lot of possibilities for the upcoming months and that makes life easier for a coach,” he said.
Verbeek is likely to start both Kennedy and McDonald – the Celtic striker tipped to play a retreating role behind the giant Kennedy.
South Korea, who qualified top of the other Asian group to ensure their passage to South Africa, are unbeaten in their past 24 matches stretching back to the start of 2008.
Despite a tug-of-war with the K-League which has disrupted their preparations, the Koreans will field a strong side headed by Manchester United attacker Park Ji-Sung.
“Koreans don’t like losing. They want to win at home against Australia. That makes it a very interesting game,” Verbeek said.
Australia are also riding a crest with four wins and a draw in their past five matches, including an impressive 3-0 win over Ireland in Limerick last month.
There is also the added spur of playing against Verbeek, a former South Korean head coach who was Guus Hiddink’s assistant in guiding the nation to a remarkable semi-final finish at the 2002 World Cup finals.
“He (Verbeek) was a great coach,” Korean star Park told Fox Sports television.
“I was for a few years with him in the 2002 World Cup and in 2006.
“He knows how to progress the team. I think it’s very good for Australia.”
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