Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek is starting to show he has much more in common with predecessor Guus Hiddink than a Dutch passport.

Verbeek also appears to have luck on his side and a happy knack for snatching results of the last-gasp variety.

Under Hiddink Australia made several astonishing comebacks, most notably scoring three late goals in the stunning 3-1 win over Japan at the 2006 World Cup, as well as a late equaliser to clinch a vital draw with Croatia at the same tournament.

The man nicknamed "Lucky Guus" did it all again when when he guided unfancied Russia to the Euro 2008 semi-finals following an amazing turn of events in the qualifiers.

Now Verbeek seems to have inherited some of Hiddink's powers.

Australia's escape act against Bahrain typified something his predecessor is renowned for.

The Socceroos were completely outplayed all night in Manama before a defensive error gifted Mark Bresciano a break on goal, allowing him to score the winner and continue Australia's perfect run in the final stage of qualifying.

June's 1-0 win over Iraq came in similar fashion while the Socceroos also escaped with an important draw against China despite being outplayed during Verbeek's reign.

"Maybe there's a bit of the old Guus factor rubbing off on Pim," Socceroos captain Lucas Neill suggested.

"He seemed to have a bit of luck as well.

"But you make your own luck as well and I think we played really well in the first two games (wins over Uzbekistan and Qatar) and maybe (against Bahrain) that was the luck we'd earned."

Although most were asking 'Pim who?' when Verbeek was appointed national coach in late 2007, the Dutchman has done plenty to convince the public he is the right man to lead Australia to South Africa 2010.

The win over Bahrain improved his record to eight wins, three draws and two loss in his 13 games in charge.

AAP