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Coach Pim Verbeek will reunite his first-choice defence and test Hull City midfielder Richard Garcia in the Socceroos’ friendly against Denmark on Tuesday as the World Cup squad deadline nears.
Verbeek confirmed he would make five changes to the starting side which beat New Zealand last week, including West Australian Garcia on the right side of midfield.
He has also reverted to Australia’s preferred defensive personnel for the match against the Danes in Roodepoort, with Luke Wilkshire and Scott Chipperfield recalled to flank centre-backs Lucas Neill and Craig Moore.
Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer returns after injury to add further steel at the back, while beanpole striker Josh Kennedy will lead the line.
Verbeek can also make six substitutions during the match – which comes just hours before he has to finalise his 23-man World Cup squad from the 28 players in camp in Johannesburg.
In what has become a results-driven era under Verbeek, the Dutchman says for once the scoreline won’t matter – but the performance will be paramount.
“I am not interested in the result at all – of course we like to win but I’m looking for tactical organisation, the way the team defends, the way we build up, the way we attack,” Verbeek said on Monday.
“If we win it will be nice. If we lose it will be okay also.
“We play to win of course, but I have other things as my priorities.”
Verbeek said he was close to finalising the World Cup squad, with two players to feel an unexpected axe.
Young midfielders Tommy Oar and James Holland and fourth goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic have already been told they are unlikely to be in the World Cup squad unless there is a spate of injuries.
One defender and one midfielder are likely to get Verbeek’s tap on the shoulder – the only two areas there is fat to trim within a squad needing three goalkeepers and light on recognised strikers.
“I think I almost know what to do,” Verbeek said of his squad selection, which must be submitted to FIFA by midnight Tuesday (South African time).
“We still have a game – anything can happen in football. So hopefully no injuries.”
Verbeek will keep the cotton wool wrapped around star attacker Harry Kewell and midfielder Brett Emerton – refusing to risk them against Denmark.
Kewell continues to train solo as he overcomes a groin issue, restricted to light ball drills and running though his training appearances are becoming more public and frequent.
Emerton, who has been battling a calf problem, returned to full training on Monday.
Denmark are ranked 36th in the world – 16 places below Australia – and are also using the friendly for World Cup match practice as they prepare to take on The Netherlands, Cameroon and Japan in Group E.
Socceroos team: Mark Schwarzer, Luke Wilkshire, Craig Moore, Lucas Neill, Scott Chipperfield, Vince Grella, Jason Culina, Richard Garcia, Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano, Josh Kennedy.
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