With a similar style of play to Russia and with as much emerging talent, the former Soviet Union state has been the surprise packet of Asian World Cup qualifying so far.

Australia will play Uzbekistan away on September 10 in their opening Group A match in the final stage of Asian qualifying.

And Verbeek says Russia’s exploits in reaching the European Championship semi-finals under ex-Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink shows how strong the Uzbeks will be.

"They are very Russian-oriented of course and I think Russia showed in Euro 2008 that’s a tough league,’’ Verbeek said.

"Physically they are strong, skilful players as I know when we played against them with South Korea.

"They also did very well in the last Asian Cup. It’s not an easy team and there are no easy teams in this group.’’

Asia’s No.2 nation Japan, Bahrain and Qatar were also drawn in the Socceroos’ group at Friday night’s draw in Kuala Lumpur.

Verbeek does have first-hand knowledge of how the Uzbeks play, having led South Korea there in his previous managerial job.

But the current Uzbekistan team scored 15 goals in the previous six-match World Cup qualifying stage, and matched Australia’s quarter-final effort at last year’s Asian Cup.

The Socceroos have a bye on the opening Asian qualifying match day, September 6, before playing the Uzbeks four days later.

Getting there could be an issue, with direct flights into the nation’s capital Tashkent at a premium.

Tashkent is about a seven-hour flight from London and more than triple that travelling time with stopovers from Australia.

Verbeek said he was undecided whether he would prepare his squad in Europe and head to Uzbekistan late or base themselves in Uzbekistan in the lead-up.

"First I have to find out how we have to fly the players from Europe and where they can fly and the players from Australia and where they can fly,’’ Verbeek said.

"When we can find out the routes, then we know where is the best place to go in preparation.’’

Australia will play South Africa in a friendly in London on August 19 or 20 ahead of the Uzbekistan match.