To see behind the scenes at today's training session...

Speaking after a spirited one hour training session today at Marconi Stadium, the Dutch coach declared himself happy with the direction of his squad.

“I”m very close. I think for 90 percent I think I know what I'm going to do.”
However, he did not give a timeframe for when he'd announce his first squad. “I'll wait for the next training camp [next Monday and Tuesday] then I will have a very good impression for my plans for the Qatar game and the China game.

“I'm still thinking and I've seen some players but I'm not 100 percent sure they are better than the players I have seen today. But also there is not much time left, so I have to focus on the group. But there are still players on the list.”

Joel Griffiths didn't train this morning as a precaution, while Steve Corica sat out and Ufuk Talay and John Aloisi had treatment on minor injuries. Griffiths has a minor knee strain.

Verbeek added that Craig Moore's availability was a boost – but did not offer any insight into whether he'd use him or not.

“I spoke with Craig and he said, 'If you need me, I'll be there.' Which is good, that's what I like to hear. And then it's up to me to find out if I can use him for this very important game.

Asked if he plans to use the Roar skipper, Verbeek said: “We will see on February 3.”

Verbeek was also clear that those Olyroos at today's training session – Mark Milligan, Danny Vukovic, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Bruce Djite and Stuart Musialik as well as James Holland – were not there to make up the numbers. Everyone who'd been called up was there on merit and had a chance of being selected.

“They did a very good job last week. Most are playing and everyone still has a fair chance.

“I'm much more informed [after this training session]. I think this was a very good training session. I got a much better impression today and also after seeing games on the weekend. The atmosphere was good today.”

Verbeek was also confident he knew what game-plan Jorge Fossati had in mind for the February 6 clash in Melbourne.

“They will defend, for sure. They will come to play counter-attack football. They will wait and wait for a mistake and that's what I was talking about today at training.

“You cannot lose balls in the midfield and backline and they're very quick, fast strikers. They will try to keep the pitch small and wait for the counter-attacks.”

In a potential boost for the Socceroos, dangerous Qatar striker Sebastian Quintana is reportedly currently suspended. The Uruguayan scoed all three goals for Qatar at the 2007 Asian Cup.

“He's dangerous. But they have found some new Qataris.”

Verbeek reiterated his mantra about not worrying about factors beyond his control. Such as the referee. “No, I don't care. I cannot change it so I just focus on my team. I don't worry about making the right decisions.”

Verbeek has had spotters watching Qatar's last two friendlies against Iran and Syria in two 0-0 draws. “But I heard against Iran they had a lot of chances. “They are dangerous ... but we are good also.”

To see behind the scenes at today's training session...