Verbeek to quit after South Africa
(PA) Monday 22 March 2010

Australia coach Pim Verbeek will part company with the Socceroos after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Former Korea Republic coach Verbeek was appointed in December 2007 and helped Australia reach their highest ever position of 14th in September 2009.

In helping Australia qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and next year's AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, Verbeek amassed a record of 15 wins, eight draws and four defeats in 27 matches.

"It has been a very difficult decision for me after more than two years, but it is time for me to look for a new challenge," said Verbeek. "I have enjoyed every minute of being head coach of Australia and we achieved some fantastic results including qualifying for the World Cup and the Asian Cup.

"It is a good time to make this announcement so we can now focus completely on preparing everything perfectly for the upcoming World Cup in South Africa. We will do everything right to prepare for this tournament to get the best result possible."

Australia have been drawn in Group D alongside Germany, Serbia and Ghana and kick-off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Germany in Durban on 13 June.