Could the Aussies be van Marwijk's swansong? One last shot at the big time by the former World Cup finalist? 

Verbeek told Reuters that the Socceroos are "probably his last job, so he was willing to go to the World Cup and he'll like the mentality of the Australian players, that fighting mentality they have.

"This would be a fantastic finish to his career and for Australia I think it's good to have such an experienced coach."

At 66-years-old, while the Dutchman is approaching the twilight of his managerial career,  he isn't exactly old in managerial terms. Arsene Wenger recently announced no intention of retiring at 68-years-old, while Roy Hodgson, England's manager at the 2016 European Championships, is now 70-years-old and still coaching in the Premier League.

However there is a current trend within national management to appoint younger coaches, and van Marwijk's forte has always been the unique rigours of international competition. 

France's Didier Deschamps, England's Gareth Southgate, Spain's Julian Lopetegui, Belgium's Roberto Martinez, Italy's Roberto Mancini and the Netherland's Ronald Koeman are all more than a decade younger than van Marwijk.

Yet Australia will be hoping van Marwijk's experience can lend it an extra edge in Russia, an idea Verbeek is very supportive of. 

"I think it's a very good fit because, first of all, Dutch coaches have done well in Australia," Verbeek said.

"The mentality is good. It's a good combination. Bert is very experienced, he's been to the World Cup with Holland and he knows what to do, and I think it's a big challenge for him because in the end his preparation is three weeks before the World Cup starts.

"He has a plan and he knows what to do and he has good staff around him so I think they can do a job."