Verbeek hails Aussie spirit

RUSTENBURG, South Africa - Australia coach Pim Verbeek hailed his side's performance against Ghana as one of the great examples of the country's combative spirit.

An Australia squad, that had been savaged by fans and media alike after losing 4-0 to Germany, kept its World Cup hopes alive with a 1-1 draw with the Black Stars, despite having Harry Kewell red-carded for a goalline handball after 25 minutes.

"I think it was a fantastic performance from my players," the Dutchman said.