Victory over the central Asian side, who beat Jordan 1-0 in their Group D opener, would secure quarter-final qualification for the Dutchman’s team.

The Young Socceroos were hugely impressive in the first quarter of Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Thailand, dominating possession and territory in a manner akin to the ’Total Football’ demonstrated by Versleijen’s countrymen.

They were rewarded with Sam Munro’s goal but could not add a second as they failed to find a cutting edge in the second-half.

Versleijen is aware his team must be more clinical against Uzbekistan.

“We cannot allow ourselves to miss so many chances,” he said. “We have to take more of the chances we get.”

The Dutchman was impressed with Uzbekistan, who defeated Jordan courtesy of a controversial second-minute penalty, and knows they will provide a stern test for his team.

“They make a very mature impression,” he added. “They’re well organised, physically strong and they know what they’re doing.

“In our group all the teams are almost even, of the same quality; all the games will be difficult.

“You never can predict what is going to happen.”

Versleijen insists Australia must also adopt a more patient approach.

“When we are under pressure, we have to try to keep the ball for longer and not give it away,” he added. “And we must take our chances.”

Defender Nikolas Tsattalios will miss the match after being sent-off for a professional foul against Thailand but James Holland and Ryan McGowan are eligible to return after serving suspensions.

Uzbekistan coach Akhmad Ubaydullaev underlined Australia will provide a formidable challenge.

“Of course it will be more difficult to play against them,” he said.

“I saw them play one year ago and the team has changed 80% since - they have become much better.”

Five yellow cards were shown to Uzbekistan players for feigning injury and time wasting against Jordan but Ubaydullaev maintains his players’ problems were legitimate.

“We will check with the team doctor and if they can’t play the next game we will change because we have a good squad of 23 players,” he added.

After watching his troops hobble through the opener, the coach hopes they will improve over the remaining group matches.

“In future games it will not be the same,” he said. “We will prepare for it and it will be better.”