Verbeek's two-and-half-year reign as Socceroos coach will come to an end after the World Cup in South Africa and tonight's match against New Zealand at the MCG will be his final game in Australia.

The Dutchman, who will return to Europe full-time after the World Cup, took the opportunity to thank the Australian people and his team and said his time in charge has been one of the best periods of his professional life.

"First of all, I've enjoyed every minute I've stayed in Australia, because it's a fantastic country with fantastic people," he said."I made a lot of friends, which is good in life. It's most important in life is that you enjoy yourself and that you have friends.

"Secondly I had a fantastic selection and I've enjoyed every minute I have with my players, in the camp, during the games, when I visit them in Europe, in the A-League.

"For me it's time to do something new. I had a great time in Australia and it will be very difficult to get the same staff, coaching staff, medical staff, supporting staff and players. The last two and a half years were not the best of my life, but close to it."

But Verbeek knows that his success as Socceroos coach will be judged by how the team performs in South Africa and that his final month in charge will prove his most important.

"I've had two and half fantastic years so far but what I've said already, the only way to finish it off is to have a great result in the World Cup," he said.

"That's why I was here. My job was to qualify, that's what we did. Now it's the next step."