“It's all about being clever and streetwise,” Vidmar told au.fourfourtwo.com today. “I've no doubt they [Qatar] will come for a draw. They'll be clever and know what they have to do.

“They'll want to win their home games and take points away – starting in Melbourne.”

It's vital that Australia gets off to a winning start in this the first World Cup qualifier for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

And Vidmar, 37, was cautiously optimistic with the A-League players' ability to cope with the mobile and versatile style of Dutch football most likely to be continued by new coach Pim Verbeek.

“They have to be able to switch from the A-League mentality to international football," he warned. "And that's very hard, especially with those players.

“I think fitness wise, definitely we'll be okay. I think physically we can play against the best Asian teams. It's tactically where the players have to be smart.

“It's going to be difficult because he [Verbeek] needs time to work with them. Luckily the first game is at home so we won't need to worry about the conditions.”

Verbeek arrives on Thursday, and Vidmar gave the new appointment a thumbs up.

“His knowledge of Asian football is good which is a key area," he added. "And over the years that's something we've been missing. You look at the Asian Cup where the preparation wasn't ideal and we struggled.

“It's going to take a while. But having being involved in Dutch club football for many years, I think they have good eyes and can judge players well.

“It all depends on results, it doesn't matter who it is, it's all about qualifying the Socceroos for the World Cup.

“It's a tough one, I don't think I want to be in his shoes.”