Australia lost 0-4 to Germany in their opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In the match, Verbeek chose to start the game without a recognized striker. He was heavily criticized by the Australian media for refusing to play attacking players Josh Kennedy, Mark Bresciano and Harry Kewell, all of whom are proven goal-scorers at international level. Australia then drew 1–1 with Ghana and defeated Serbia 2–1. They ended with four points, equal with Ghana, but were ranked third due to an inferior goal difference and did not progress from the group stage, with Verbeek departing shortly after.