Australia's preparations for the World Cup have been thrown into turmoil with coach Pim Verbeek describing the surface at Ruimsig Stadium, the Socceroos' new training ground, as "hopeless".

The pitch has been widely condemned by players and Verbeek has asked Australia officials to canvas other options, but it is believed they will be unable to move to another base at such short notice.

Verbeek was critical when asked about his thoughts on the pitch after the 3-1 loss to the USA on Saturday and said: "It looked very good when we started it was hopeless when we finished."