When the Dutchman took over as coach of the Socceroos in 2007, he had one overriding demand in his job description: get Australia to the World Cup. For the first time, the Socceroos had to qualify through Asia, and there were plenty of new and tricky obstacles to overcome – notably China, Japan, and Asian Cup champions Iraq. There were also some large logistical challenges to negotiate in a 16-month campaign that began in February 2008 and concluded against the Japanese at the MCG in June 2009. By the time his team ran on to the hallowed turf on that June night, they had long since wrapped up World Cup qualification with two games to spare. Verbeek has remained calm and determined throughout, refusing to yield to critics who have labelled his tactics and team unadventurous. He need only point to the number of coaches who won’t be going to the World Cup at all. Michael Lynch
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