Aussies on verge of World Cup again

Australia are just one point away from clinching back-to-back World Cup appearances, and coach Pim Verbeek thinks that ought to earn his side a bit more respect from the home media.

The Australians went back to the top of their Asian Group A ahead of Japan (11) with 13 points after a 2-0 home win over Uzbekistan. They are six points clear of third-placed Bahrain, who have two games left to Australia’s three.

The group’s top two teams qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa next year, while the third-placed side faces a play-off against the third team in Asian Group B. The winners of that clash take on New Zealand.

Even if Australia do lose in Qatar in Doha on June 6, they have two home games remaining against Bahrain and Japan to clinch qualification.

The Socceroos, trying to become the first team to qualify for South Africa 2010, were held up for two months when Bahrain beat Qatar 1-0 on Wednesday to stay mathematically in the hunt.

But Australia, under the pragmatic Dutchman Verbeek, have built an irresistible case for a South African appearance with an unbeaten run in final Asian qualifying.

“When I started 15 months ago, people were in a panic about it being difficult qualifying for the World Cup through Asia,” he said after Wednesday’s win over Uzbekistan.

“We have played five games — 13 points, eight goals scored, zero against,” he said. “Not too bad, eh?”

Verbeek took a swipe at the local media who ave been criticial of a lack of adventure in Australia’s path to South Africa.

“I think the boys need and deserve all the respect when they perform like this. We are leading the group and it will be very difficult for our opponents to get rid of us and Uzbekistan is now out,” he said.

“So now only one team can get us off the second place or first place, it’s a good feeling. I think I can sleep well.”

Australia have proved tough to break down under Verbeek, with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer yet to concede a goal in five matches in the final qualifying phase.

“Schwarzer has broken all the records in Australia with games played and goals conceded,” Verbeek said.

“It’s great to have him as our goalkeeper but also one who has a personality on and off the field.

“We will be also looking for clean sheets in our last three games. Everybody wants that.”

Schwarzer, who played in the last World Cup in Germany under Guus Hiddink, said there was high excitement within the Australian squad as they neared qualification for another World Cup.

“It’s a massive occasion,” he said. “We want to create history, we want to be part of a team that qualifies for back-to-back World Cups.”