Australia coach Verbeek to quit after World Cup

Australia's coach Pim Verbeek said on Monday he would step down following this year's football World Cup, after steering the team to the tournament in South Africa and their highest ever FIFA ranking.

Verbeek, who has also guided Australia to next year's Asian Cup in a successful two-year stint, said he had decided not to renew his contract, which expires after the June-July World Cup.

"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," Verbeek said in a statement.

"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." Verbeek took the helm in late 2007 after the departure of caretaker Graham Arnold. In South Africa, Verbeek will be trying to outdo fellow countryman Guus Hiddink, who took Australia to the 2006 World Cup's last 16.

Verbeek's Australia reached 14th in the FIFA rankings in September, their highest ever placing. The Dutchman has been head coach for 27 matches, winning 15, drawing eight and losing four, with the team scoring 34 and conceding 14 goals.

"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," he said.SYDNEY, Wednesday, AFP