Australia NewsVerbeek Proud Of His Troops |
SOCCEROOS coach Pim Verbeek was delighted with his players after Australia secured their first ever victory over Holland courtesy of goals from Harry Kewell and Josh Kennedy.
Dutchman Verbeek said it could have been a long night after the Socceroos fell behind as early as the fifth minute.
However, his side fought back and went in level at the break, courtesy of a Harry Kewell penalty.
Verbeek told Fox Sports: "After five minutes it was 1-0 and then you think there's 85 minutes to go - it could be a tough evening.
"We recovered very well, created some very good chances and deserved to be at 1-1.
"I am very proud of the boys, a good result, organised, nobody injured, so it cannot be better.
"For us it was a great test."
Verbeek was not getting carried away though, adamant that it was still only a friendly.
He said: "It is a friendly match. The tackles were not 100 per cent."
The coach was pleased with the way his side had carried out his instructions but won't rush into a decision about sticking with the same XI for Uzbekistan.
He said: "The organisation was good, we didn't give anything away except for the goal.
"I think Chris Coyne and Lucas Neill did very well. They did well against South Africa. They did well today. It was good to see Michael Beauchamp, he hasn't played for a few months, and we have Jade North also, but I'm not worried at all for the defence."
As for Uzbekistan, Verbeek said it would be a totally different game in different conditions on a different surface.
He is just pleased to have 18 fit players and choices. He also confirmed that Scott Chipperfield, not risked for Holland, should be okay for the World Cup qualifier.
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