Bresciano Wary Of Enigmatic Uzbeks

The Socceroos will recommence their push for a berth at South Africa 2010 when they travel to Tashkent to face Uzbekistan on September 10.

Little is known about the Uzbeks, who reached the quarterfinals of last year's Asian Cup and have been labelled the dark horses of Group A.

Bresciano, like most of the Australian camp, plans to treat his opponents with the utmost respect, but he believes his side may have some joy at the Pakhtakor Markaziy Stadium on Wednesday.

"They did extremely well in the previous Asian Cup," the Palermo midfielder said.

"They play more a European style of football, so that's probably a bit better for us as a team to play against."

Memories

Australia are currently training in Mierlo ahead of this weekend's warm-up friendly against the Netherlands at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven.

The North Brabant municipality is familiar to the Socceroos, who set up base there prior to the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

"We've got some memories here," Bresciano said.

"We're now here in Holland and playing against Holland which is good for us anyway because they're giving us a hand to prepare the best way we can for the game coming up in Uzbekistan.

"It's a bonus for us having these connections and being able to play a friendly match against Holland, which is a quality side."

Injuries

Pim Verbeek will be Scott McDonald for the Holland friendly, as the Celtic striker is currently battling a groin problem.

McDonald is racing against the clock to prove his fitness for the Uzbekistan clash, and his absence would be a huge blow given Mark Viduka and Tim Cahill are already out of action.

Bresciano understands that he and his fellow midfielders may be forced to push forward in search of goals, but he is confident of overcoming the minor injury-crisis.

"Not only myself, but we do have other players in the team that have that quality about them, they can score a goal here and there," the 28-year-old said.

"Having people miss out through injuries and stuff, that makes it even harder for us but we've got no excuses, we've got to just focus on what we have to do now at the moment, first Holland and then Uzbekistan."