Verbeek has been attacked in the media for a conservative defensive approach where the Socceroos appear to have ridden their luck rather than dominating games.

And even after the 2-0 win over Uzbekistan, Verbeek was asked if the result was by design or by accident.

Verbeek snapped back: "The glass is half-empty, the glass is half full...I have the idea that the glass is more half-empty here in Australia.

"I think we played very well in the second half. I think we made it very difficult for Uzbekistan. I think the boys deserve all the respect for a result like this."

And he added: "When I started here 15 months ago everyone was in a panic: Oh Asia - difficult difficult difficult.

"First group was 'difficult'; second group was 'even more difficult'. We are now five games, 13 points, eight goals scored, zero against. Not too bad.

"It came to me that every opponent is very bad, that is also possible.

"But maybe we are good also."

Despite Verbeek's pride in the Socceroos he refused to rest on his laurels until Australia's place at South Africa was guaranteed.

He added: "I will be very satisfied with myself when we are qualified. We can still play better."