YOKOHAMA — Australia manager Pim Verbeek has shrugged off suggestions his players won't be ready in time for Wednesday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Japan, insisting the pressure is all on Takeshi Okada's side.
The Socceroos, with all but two of their members based in Europe, have had little time to prepare since arriving in Japan from their club sides this week. Four players — including Lucas Neill and Mark Bresciano — only touched down on Tuesday morning.
But Verbeek looked unruffled as he gave a news conference later in the day, insisting the preparations have caused "no problems" for his players.