PIM Verbeek was not aware of the $45m boost given to Australia's World Cup campaign but has thrown his support behind Australia 2018 potentially at the expense of Holland.
The Dutch-born coach, speaking just hours after arriving back in the country, was pleasantly surprised when told about the cash boost today and praised Australia's ability to hold such a back event.
"The problem is in Europe, like I did, I lived in Europe a long time, we had no idea about Australia," he said.
"And I think many people don't know how interesting it can be to have a World Cup in Australia."
Verbeek went on to praise the stadiums – including Suncorp and Telstra Dome and ANZ Stadium.
He added: "A lot of people [in Europe] have no idea how good the stadiums are and how interesting it can be to have a World Cup here. You have all the facilities here and how interesting it can be because you have everything.
"Now we have the money and support of the government. So there is no reason to say the Netherlands or other countries can do a better job.
"That's fantastic support from the government, now it is to convince the people how good it is in Australia."
"The problem is in Europe, like I did, I lived in Europe a long time, we had no idea about Australia," he said.
"And I think many people don't know how interesting it can be to have a World Cup in Australia."
Verbeek went on to praise the stadiums – including Suncorp and Telstra Dome and ANZ Stadium.
He added: "A lot of people [in Europe] have no idea how good the stadiums are and how interesting it can be to have a World Cup here. You have all the facilities here and how interesting it can be because you have everything.
"Now we have the money and support of the government. So there is no reason to say the Netherlands or other countries can do a better job.
"That's fantastic support from the government, now it is to convince the people how good it is in Australia."
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