Socceroos coach challenges Archie

Australia coach Pim Verbeek has issued a challenge to A-League star Archie Thompson
to prove he can cut it as a lone striker for the Socceroos ahead of next year's
World Cup.

Thompson has not played for his country since two forgettable Asian Cup qualifiers
in February and March, when Verbeek described his performance against Indonesia as
"absolutely hopeless".
But the Melbourne Victory star, who has been in great recent touch in the domestic
competition, appears set to be given at least one more chance in the green and gold,
when the Socceroos play Kuwait in an Asian Cup qualifier on January 6 in the gulf.
That match does not fall on a FIFA international date so Thompson is likely to be
one of several A-League players vying to be part of the Socceroos squad that will
take part in the World Cup finals in South Africa.
Verbeek indicated on Tuesday that Thompson was still firmly in his thoughts as a
potential front man in a 4-3-2-1 formation.
"We have many alternatives as striker, Harry (Kewell) certainly can - but also Josh
(Kennedy), Archie Thompson, Alex Brosque, Bruce Djite. I'll make my mind up in May,"
Verbeek wrote on a blog on www.news.com.au.
"... Archie still has a few months to show me he is good enough to play at the World
Cup level.
"... Archie is also on the pre-list for the Kuwait game, then it's up to him to take
the chance during a week of training and maybe the game."
Verbeek has preferred using overseas-based Socceroos wherever possible, and he said
on Tuesday he worried about the gap in standard between the A-League and the World
Cup stage and keeping domestic players match-fit when the season finished in March.
"But I'm very willing to be persuaded, and in the next three months I will be here
in Australia watching closely," he said.
Verbeek said Celtic star Scott McDonald would also be considered, although he would
be better suited in a two-striker partnership.
Meanwhile, Verbeek attempted to allay the concerns of rival football codes to
Australia's bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup by saying the tournament
would benefit all sport.
"The World Cup is the biggest sporting event there is, and it would leave a huge
benefit for all Australian sports," he said.
"I'm sure they'll come to an agreement that allows everyone to benefit from what
would be a fabulous tournament."
The AFL has claimed Australia winning hosting rights could force the cancellation of
a season, while the NRL and Melbourne Cricket Club have called for more information
about how they would be affected.