Final team news

Jason Culina’s versatility, which some say is his most valuable trait, will help Pim solve a major headache in tomorrow morning’s World Cup qualifier against Qatar. With right backs Brett Emerton and Luke Wilkshire both injured, the soon-to-be Gold Coast marquee player will be asked to fill in on the flank. A true jack of all trades, Culina’s career has seen him play virtually all positions on the pitch, barring goalkeeper, and tomorrow’s task will be no stranger to him as he has spent times at right back for former employers PSV.

Aside from this team news, Pim has been fairly hush hush about team selections, although he did say in the press conference that the Socceroos will be playing attacking football and looking for a win. Despite needing just a point to guarantee qualification, Pim said that it would be impractical to defend for 90 minutes.

Also, in the same press conference, it was great to see Pim defend the A-League against scrutinising Qatari journalists. When questioned on the quality of the A-League, Pim fired back at the journo’s with every bit of his dry humour. Below is a transcript of his comments, courtesy of Fox Sports.

“How do you know it’s not good?” a clearly annoyed Verbeek barked back.

“It was not a Qatari side was it? No, it was Adelaide.
“But they play in Australia?,” he added sarcastically.

Brilliant.

So, ladies and gentlemen, this will be my final post before I head out to a mate’s place and BBQ the afternoon/evening away, smashing down beers and coffees (not together) and eagerly awaiting the early-morning kick-off. I hope next time we meet the Green and Gold will have qualified for the 2010 World Cup.

Go the Socceroos!