Pim: Image change key to bid

The Socceroos boss, speaking in Sydney to mark the 12-month anniversary of his appointment, believes if the FIFA powerbrokers, many of whom are based in Europe, were aware of just how much Australia had to offer then the country stood a good chance of securing the world's biggest sporting event.

With England among the confirmed bidders for 2018 and the tournament traditionally being played in Europe every third cycle, Australia must launch an impressive campaign to have a realistic chance.

But the Dutchman admitted that many people in Europe will look down their noses at Australia's audacious bid, which will be backed by A$45million from the Australian Government.

"The problem of course is in Europe," Verbeek said when asked of the obstacles to Australia's bid to host the World Cup.

"I know I was in Europe for a long time and (prior to becoming Socceroos boss) I had never been to Australia and I had no idea about Australia.

"People over there (Europe) don't know how interesting it would be to have the World Cup in Australia."

In particular Verbeek urged those behind Australia's bid - which is being led by Football Federation of Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy - to emphasise the qualities of Australia's stadia.

Verbeek says he has been blown away by the number and quality of Australian venues in his 12 months in charge of the Socceroos.

"You have everything here," he said.

"Before I arrived here I had no idea about Telstra Dome (in Melbourne), Suncorp Stadium (in Brisbane) and ANZ Stadium (in Sydney) and with your other facilities and your airports, I don't see any reason why it couldn't be as good as Germany (in 2006) and Korea (and Japan in 2002) and now you have the support of the government as well.

"So there is no reason for me to say other countries can do a better job than Australia - you have fantastic support but you have to convince people how good it is in Australia because I am telling you a lot of people have no idea about Australia."

Meanwhile, Verbeek says he is unconcerned about the latest injury to befall his talisman Harry Kewell, who is back in Australia for minor hernia surgery to repair an injured abdominal muscle.

The injury occurred during a recent collision while playing for his Turkish club Galatasaray, in which Kewell also injured his ankle and suffered a fractured toe.

"Harry called me to tell me what is happening and that is all I can say at the moment," Verbeek said.

"He will come back to Australia and then I am waiting for the medical staff to tell me what is happening and how long he will be out."

But Kewell has set his sights on returning for his club in mid January and is determined to play in Australia's next World Cup qualifier against Japan on February 11.