To see Bahrain's training session...

Australia's decision to become part of the Asian Football Confederation after the 2006 World Cup was met with some hesitation by Asian nations and Australian football fans alike.

While those in Asia believes Australia could dominate and occupy a qualifying position previously reserved for a 'traditional' Asian nation, there were those in Australia who were concerned that the move would not yield the easier World Cup passage that much had hoped for.

However, Macala, a veteran of the Asian confederation having coached Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain in his days, believes that decision was a masterstroke which gave the Socceroos more challenging games on a regular basis and has helped make Australia a much better team.

"I want to say congratulations to the Australian team for making the World Cup. Excellent race during this qualification, with 14 points with zero goals conceded. They have the best defence, it is something special, now they have time to prepare this team," Macala said.

"I think Australian football made two very clever decisions. First to play in Asia, because they play in more and more stronger games."

Australia has played 12 World Cup qualifiers in the space of 16 months under Pim Verbeek, forging a team which the Dutch coach hopes can be a force in South Africa 2010. For Macala, he believes this experience, plus the fact that much of the Australia side plays their club football in Europe, makes them a potential powerhouse of the region.

"The second (decision) is that they send their players to Europe. We do not compare to the Australia national team. All 30 players play in Europe, Germany, Russia, England, Switzerland, Belgium, everywhere," he said.

The veteran Czech also praised Australia's toughness, which he believes has been derived from playing contact sports at a young age, has helped the best Australia talent have an edge in the footballing world.

"Football is not No.1, but players come to Europe with this rugby courage, this fighting spirit and they are getting more clever. They really have good players, like Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka. The goalkeeper is excellent, Lucas Neill. Many, many good players."

And Macala has a message for those who think the Socceroos, under Verbeek, play dull football. He said the business of qualifying is all about results and he wouldn't be surprised to see the style flow.

"I read many, many newspapers that Australia supporters expect something extraordinary from their national team, but I read interview with Harry Kewell. Let us play and get this point and afterwards we will pretty up the game," he said.

"If you are qualified, you will ask, which kind of football do you want to play there? You can play many, many friendly games, but only at World Cup can you show your level. You still have time for preparation, to bring new players in, because there's a lot of players you have to choose from."

To see Bahrain's training session...