Verbeek is flying out to Japan later today to check out next week's opponents in a friendly with Finland.

He is expecting a tough battle next week but refuses to buy into the hype that there is a special rivalry between Australia and Japan.

He said: "I don't think it's my job to speak about Japan. I only speak about my team and my players. I know Japan, I was there for many years. I know the impact of the media.

"What happened at the World Cup or Asian Cup (between the Socceroos and Japan) I'm not thinking about that."

Verbeek joked: "I know everything, no secrets," when quizzed about the homework Australia had done on their forthcoming opponents.

The coach said Japan's Asian Cup exploits so far meant little in terms of clues or form for next week's World Cup qualifier as both teams would be bringing in their big hitters for this one. He said: "They lost in Bahrain but it says nothing. We play a 0-0 in Indonesia and that says nothing."

Ever since the World Cup qualifying draw was made, pundits and fans have focused on the two clashes with Japan, particularly the away fixture for the Socceroos.

Important, yes, but the most important match, not necessarily so. Verbeek said: "Every player wants to play in games like this, a sold out stadium. For us it is a big game but then Uzbekistan at home is also a big game.

"So it's not special but it's a big game and the players know it. The players don't care about rivalries. They want to go to the World Cup. To go to the World Cup you make a fantastic step with three points. We go to try to win the game.

"I don't think in rivalries or things like that. The players will be focused, they want to win the game."

Whatever the personnel though , Verbeek is clear on one thing. He won't be taking any risks.

He said: "I have to be 100 per cent sure they can play 90 minutes. I cannot start with players where I know I have to take them off after 60 minutes. "

Verbeek's only A-League player in his squad is Craig Moore. He said it wasn't a case of being unimpressed with domestic-based players, more that they weren't at this stage, better than his overseas options.