Australia was fortunate not to concede more goals in a game where the Socceroos dominated possession, but the USA created the lion's share of the scoring chances.

Verbeek's main concerns were the performance of the defence and the inability of his players to adapt to the way the controversial jubilani ball moves at high altitude.

"It's not what you want, getting three goals against you," Verbeek told reporters after the game. "The first goal was a present, the second goal, it was an altitude ball, you saw the ball coming in front of the goal.

"But USA had more chances to score, so we have to improve a little bit. But okay, we played all or nothing in the last 10 or 15 minutes, looking for 2-2, then you know you give chances away. It's the way it is."

Verbeek said that despite having nine days' training and playing at altitude, his players were still struggling to find their touch. However, he said that won't be a factor in the opening game against Germany in Durban, which will be played at sea level.

"I think I saw too many passes that were not right, not at the right speed, not at the right moment. We have to adapt. We should not forget Germany will be played at sea level, so we have to play a little bit different today then you would normally at altitude," he said.

"There were a lot of chances from a little bit longer balls. You could see it was difficult for the players to find where the ball was dropping. The chances were there."

While he said there were plenty of errors made in the match, he felt it was better to learn lessons now then when the tournament is underway.

"Of course, you like to win, that's clear, and it's better to make some mistakes now then next week," he said.

"I think 3-1 was a little bit overdone, we should have scored a few goals also. For me it was a great game, exactly what I was hoping for. We have many days to go. We know what we have to do."

The game passed by without any contribution from Harry Kewell, who was named on the substitutes' bench.

Verbeek said that despite the striker's lack of match practice during his recuperation from injury, he felt he wasn't ready to return.

"This is not the game for him, he's training now, he's doing another session today. We have eight days to go and then I'm going to find out.

"I thought the game was too risky for a player who trained only one time in the normal sessions with the team."