A journey into the unknown

SYDNEY // Australia coach Pim Verbeek has warned his side not to be complacent against Uzbekistan in next month's World Cup qualifier - described by players as a "journey into the unknown". The Socceroos kick off the fourth and final round of Asian qualifying for South Africa 2010 in Tashkent, the capital of the former Soviet state, on Sept 10.

And Verbeek has highlighted Russia's recent success at domestic and international level as an example of less fancied countries prevailing. Zenit St Petersburg won the Uefa Cup in May, while the nation also made their mark with an impressive semi-final appearance at Euro 2008. The other teams in Australia's group are Bahrain, Japan and Qatar, and with only the top two securing places in the finals, Verbeek knows his side must hit the ground running at the MHSK Stadium.

"Everyone is focusing on Japan because they are a force in Asia, but I know Uzbekistan from the Asian Games in 2006 in Doha, I know them from the Asian Cup and they were the first team this time around to qualify for the next round so we will not underestimate our opponents," said Verbeek. "It will be quite a tough game in Tashkent, but we will have very good preparation. They have a Russian style and Russian teams are doing very well at the moment. They have a European style of play, are very strong, very skilful and are very well organised."

Verbeek has experience of Uzbekistan as he faced them when he was coach of South Korea. He has also reviewed several DVDs of his opponents and is confident his team will be prepared for the experience. Uzbekistan reached the quarter-finals of the 2007 Asian Cup after finishing ahead of China in their group and are expected to push Australia and Japan for the two automatic places. "It will be a hectic evening but our boys are used to it and are looking forward to it," added Verbeek.

"Our players are used to this style of football rather than Asian style. They are one of the best teams in Asia, but we will be prepared." Verbeek has selected a 27-man squad for the international friendly against Holland in Eindhoven on Sept 6, but the party is expected to be trimmed before the trip to Tashkent. Galatasaray's Harry Kewell has been recalled while neither Tim Cahill or Mark Viduka are fit.

* PA Sport