Fans react to new Socceroos coach

Most Socceroos fans have lauded the coach's efforts in taking the Netherlands to the 2010 World Cup final, a feat they believe can translate to an improved Australian showing on the world stage.

Bert Van Marwijk led the Netherlands to the World Cup Final in 2010. They lost to Spain 1-0 in extra time. Fair effort. He knows how to take a team right through to the very end of a World Cup, which is a huge plus.

— FootballFocusAU (@FootballFocusAU) January 24, 2018

So excited for our @Socceroos #Socceroos this Bert Van Marwijk dude might take us to places we've never been! Go boys!! ...and go Bert. #russia

— Dee K. (@Dkawira) January 25, 2018

At first, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive, in part perhaps because of the drawn out nature of the appointment, or because FFA originally said it wouldn't be announced until mid-February.

Then, of course, there were the swathes of Bert and Ernie cracks. 

Anyone else think Ernie Merrick should be Bert Van Marwijk’s assistant? pic.twitter.com/l4xsqw9JcP

— Simon Morawetz (@SYMorawetz) January 25, 2018

Official application form from @FFA for the new #Socceroos coach. #fifa #worldcup #Football #bertvanmarwijk pic.twitter.com/XmDZGuSyGL

— Lachlan Kitchen (@lachlankitchen) January 25, 2018

Van Marwijk's appointment means three of the last six Socceroos coaches have been Dutch.

He's one of the most successful international coaches to ever lead the Socceroos, even surpassing the World Cup record of Guus Hiddink, however not all fans were happy with the appointment.

'Underwhelming' comes to mind seeing Bert van Marwijk announced as #Socceroos manager. Glass looking half-empty

— Nick G (@nickgrch) January 25, 2018

Interesting choice. Hope he doesn't coach us to play as ugly as NL did in the 2010 final. We already have a (largely unfounded) rep as an overly physical team, and FIFA refs will use any excuse to card us in challenges. #BertVanMarwijk #socceroos

— Armie Hammer's Balls (@reubenacciano) January 25, 2018

Bert Van Marwijk it is for the Socceroosh. Not the A-Lister I was hoping for. #GoSocceroos

— Don Ross (@DonRossJnr) January 25, 2018