Asia's champions will have been disappointed with their showing at Russia 2018, with just one point from the three Group Stage ties and no goals scored from open play.
There were many who felt the Socceroos would be among the continent's favourites to progress to the knockout stage under coach Bert van Marwijk, but it proved to be a challenge too far.
With a new man at the helm coming in for the build-up to AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, there will be much work needed to ensure they can successfully defend their title.
World Cup Summary
A narrow opening round defeat to eventual winners France, when they may well have shared a point, is nothing to be sniffed at, but Australia would perhaps have been disappointed to only draw with an unconvincing Denmark side in the following match.
The stalemate with the Scandinavians, added to the results in the other Group D fixtures, meant the Socceroos destiny was out of their hands in the final tie against Peru, where even victory was potentially not enough should Denmark and France draw.
Notwithstanding the result between the Europeans (ultimately a goalless tie which would have eliminated Australia regardless), the continental champions saved their worst performance for last, going down 2-0 to the Peruvians in a disappointing conclusion to their 2018 World Cup campaign.
In fact, of all of Asia's representatives in Russia, Australia was the only side not to record a win in the Group Stage. A statistic that the Socceroos faithful will be eager to forget, with all eyes now on UAE 2019 and retaining their crown.
Aftermath
Announced back in March by the Football Federation Australia, former Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold will take over the helm of the national team from van Marwijk, whose short-term role has concluded along with the Russia 2018 campaign.
Graham Arnold will coach the @Socceroos after the @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/6bLbUuee0c
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) March 8, 2018
Top Prospect for AC2019
Just six months after making his senior debut for Melbourne City, 19-year-old Daniel Arzani found himself making history at the biggest stage. The Socceroos’ winger made an instant impression in the A-League and earned a place in Bert van Marwijk’s 2018 FIFA World Cup squad.
Arzani’s proud moment came when he was brought on from the substitutes bench for a six-minute cameo against France in the opening match to become the youngest player to play in the competition and the youngest ever Australian to play at a World Cup.
The Iran-born winger may not have scored in Russia, but in his three substitute appearances, he showed glimpses of his bright talent with his direct approach troubling defenders and gave the Socceroos fans a reason to be excited about what is to come from him at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
What Comes Next?
Defensively, Australia looked solid at the World Cup, the disappointing result against Peru aside. Trent Sainsbury showed why he is considered among the best defenders from the continent and Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan continues to impress.
However, two goals from three matches at Russia 2018 - and both from the penalty spot - suggests work is needed on the Socceroos attacking game.
With record goalscorer Tim Cahill getting little time on the field at the World Cup, and set to turn 39 before UAE 2019 kicks off, Arnold will need to identify Australia's man to lead the frontline.
Tomi Juric, Jamies Maclaren and Andrew Nabbout were all options utilised under van Marjwijk, but it's yet to be seen who can take on Cahill's mantle.
Source: the-afc.com