Quizzed today by one journalist following the announcment of the Asian Cup squad for the Kuwait game, Verbeek said the green and gold fans want qualification first and foremost.

 "So far, I have spoken to around 10,000 fans who are tapping me on the shoulder and say, 'great job'.

 "Winning away in Uzbekistan and winning away in Bahrain and a draw in Japan and beating 4-0 Qatar at home. With no goals conceded, six goals scored and ten points, I think we're doing well. No?

 "If it's a lucky goal, or not a lucky goal, everyone forgets how good we were against Qatar or away in Uzbekistan."

The recent World Cup qualifier against Japan in particular was deemed one of the less entertaining Socceroo performances. This despite virtually no preparation time for the team and minus forward threats Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Brett Emerton.

Verbeek makes no apologies and says he will continue his pragmatic and successful approach with four games left in the World Cup qualification phase.

"If we lose against Uzbekistan after the game I say we played fantastic, attacking football, we took a lot of risks but I don't think 70,000 fans would not be very excited."