Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek has praised the professionalism of his under-prepared team in last night's 0-0 draw with Japan. The Aussies only needed a draw from the match to remain in a good position in World Cup qualification and to travel to Yokohama with limited preparation and get a draw was a great result according to Verbeek.

"I think that was maximum today," he told Fox Sports after the game.

"Poor preparation, more or less no preparation, I think defensively we did very well.

"We couldn't hold the ball in the last 15-20 minutes. We lost the ball a bit easily and came under pressure. But 0-0 in Japan is a great result.

"You see how very professional the players are, with the eight hours time difference. They were all very tired, but they concentrated and were organised, I think they need a big compliment for that."