Despite having already sewn up a place in next year's world Cup in South Africa, Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek is serious about the remaining matches.

The Australians take on Bahrain tonight in Sydney and then Japan next Wednesday in Melbourne and although neither match will change the fact they have qualified, Verbeek wants solid performances, starting against Bahrain.

"It's not a friendly match, it's a serious World Cup match and we want to be No.1 in the group,'' Verbeek said.

"Until now, most of the players were still thinking and dreaming of the Qatar game about the World Cup, which is normal.

"But the moment they are on the field, they have to start concentrating on the game ... forget about tiredness, forget about trips, forget about the World Cup. Just think about the game.''