Nothing like a lame duck coach heading into the World Cup to really fire up your team.
Such is the scenario facing Australia as they get set for South Africa's 2010 World Cup knowing that head coach Pim Verbeek is leaving the Socceroos after the tournament.
The Netherlands native formerly coached South Korea and he's had a nice run with Australia, helping them reach their highest ever FIFA ranking (#14 in September 2009). It's the third overall time Australia has qualified for the World Cup and the second straight tournament that they'll be a part of.
During qualification for the World Cup and next year's Asian Cup, Verbeek led his team to a 15-8-4 record 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.''
Best of luck to Verbeek and his boys as they're in a tough group D with Germany, Serbia and Ghana. They start off with the Germans on June 13.
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