Van Marwijk surprised many by opting for a fresh-faced, attack minded 23-man squad, including wunderkind Daniel Arzani alongside Jamie Maclaren, Tomi Juric, Andrew Nabbout and Dimitri Petratos.

Experienced campaigners Nikita Rukavystya and James Troisi - alongside defender Fran Karacic and utility Josh Brillante - failed to make the cut, meaning the Dutchman will take only six players with World Cup experience to Russia, a fact van Marwijk said Australians would be "very happy" about.

"I think everybody must be very happy that this team has a few more players," he said.

“I look to solve problems, (defensively) I think we have enough players.

"Now I have more options in front, several types of central forwards and number nines. I have more players who can play in more positions."

Van Marwijk said that despite his experience in cutting players, the decision to leave out footballers on the verge of World Cup selection is the most difficult part of his job.

“That’s always the hardest decision," he said.

"I told them as we started that this moment will come. It’s always an emotional day for everybody.

“I will not tell about every player, how I speak with him. That’s individual. The fact that he is with the last 23 says enough."

The 65-year-old wouldn't be drawn on what he said to Arzani and Maclaren, instead reminding the public that while Arzani still has to improve, both have proved their worth.

"(Arzani's) improving but he has to learn a lot," van Marwijk said.

“(Maclaren) was for me, the first combination. I got him because of the injury to Juric. I’m satisfied with him, because he’s the type of player who always gets the chance.

"I wanted to give him a real chance. We trained very intensive, so it was very difficult – not really fair to him.

"I think I need him."