THE Socceroos won the world’s respect in Brazil despite not picking up a point, but former boss Pim Verbeek declared it was time for coach Ange Postecoglou to deliver.

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Australia’s 2010 World Cup coach said that veterans Tim Cahill, Mark Bresciano and Mile Jedinak hold the key to their Asian Cup hopes.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Herald-Sun, Verbeek said Dutch-based Tommy Oar has surprised him with his progress and hailed Mile Jedinak’s ‘fairytale’ career.

Verbeek, who was slammed after a 4-0 loss to Germany in the opening game of South Africa 2010 before recovering to almost snatch a second round berth, said they needed to make the semi-finals.

“He’s doing well but it’s all about results, that’s the way it works,’’ Verbeek said.

“In the World Cup he had enough excuses, there were only seven months to prepare and a young team.

“They got no points but still had respect from everyone. Perfect.

“But at the Asian Cup the expectations are there and it’s time to deliver.

“Ange knows very well that he has to survive the first round and second round. He needs results, that’s clear.

“In the World Cup they surprised a lot of people.

“They never gave up, they’re hard to beat and they deserved a better result against the Netherlands.’’

Verbeek, who will among Fox Sports’ Asian Cup pundits, said that three familiar faces would determine Australia’s fate.

Though declaring Japan favourites, Verbeek said the Socceroos were among eight other teams that could win, including South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, UAE and dark horse China.

“To win tournament you need players with extra quality, Ange will depend on them and they are the key,’’ he said.

“They’re not the youngest but they want to show that they’re the best players of their generation.

“Timmy was a number 10 but is now a typical striker, he always scores goals.

“And with all the young players in midfield, they still depend Bresciano and Mile.

“There is a good mix of young and experienced players.’’

Verbeek revealed that Oar is dominating in the Dutch top flight with FC Utrecht, while he hailed the man he handed an international debut to and has become captain.

“I had some doubts about Tommy Oar, he was with me in 2010, but his last two years have been outstanding,’’ he said.

“He is doing very well in Holland, lots of assists, he is attracting interest from clubs.

“He needs to show it in international football now, but his best six years are still to come.

“And Mile can be proud of himself, his career is out of a book.

“He came very late into professional football, played himself into (the Socceroos), went to the Championship and now he is captain of a Premier League team and national team.’’

Verbeek , who has just finished with Morocco’s Olympic team, was knocked for his criticism of the A-League, but said it has come on enormously and was open to coaching here.

He said Postecoglou has had to juggle regeneration with results, but said the long-term contract has aided his cause.

“They gave him a five-year contract, which gives him confidence and some peace in his mind to prepare the team,’’ he said.