It could quite simply be that he is not the answer. He may not be able to step up to world class level. 

But to play him on an extended run in that role is not going to hurt us – even if he never scores – because he’s simply not denying a current proven goalscorer a starting  spot…

Overall, van Marwijk can look back with a certain degree of pride on his brief Australian role.

He tightened up the defence, in the way we all wanted Ange to do instead of quitting, and eventually brought teen wonderkid Daniel Arzani onto the world stage.

We performed well enough at the World Cup, certainly without disgracing ourselves at any stage – but equally without impressing anyone beyond being a competent but impotent side at this level.

But for incoming coach Graham Arnold there are a few big decisions to make ahead of the 2019 Asian Cup and its aftermath.

It’s fairly safe to say Cahill’s playing career is over - certainly, you would think, at international level and very possibly at club level too. He’s no longer an option for us (no matter what Fox Sports and the Daily Telegraph may say…)

There are a few question marks over others in the squad too. 

We could see more of Massimo Luongo playing in midfield with Trent Sainsbury taking on the armband full-time over Mile Jedinak, although probably not until after the Asian Cup

Likewise, while Robbie Kruse stepped up against Peru compared to his Denmark performance, but increasingly his place looks vulnerable to an ever fitter and ever more experienced Arzani, especially if the youngster moves overseas and settles in at a new European home.

Mark Milligan too may hang up his international boots after the Asian Cup – but Arnold could kickstart that process by playing Matthew Jurman more in that role, or looking for other alternatives.