Despite being one off, clearly he was not joking about Australia’s intense approach to the match in Austria.

The Socceroos starting line-up provided a clear indication towards van Marwijk’s preferences for who is in his final squad.

The use of a 4-3-3 formation, familiar to supporters from its use under Ange Postecoglou during the Asian Cup, also paid dividends, as Australia ran out 4-0 winners over a poor Czech Republic side.

Playing in front of an intimate and relatively quiet crowd, the opening period was dominated by a Czech side exhibiting crisp passing and dangerous movement to stretch Australia’s defence.

Australia began to find their rhythm as the likes of Mooy and Rogic began to express themselves on the pitch.

Although a dire affair played out in the first half, Australia came out in to the second half clearly working under the instruction to speed up play and penetrate the Czech defensive lines more frequently.

Worries about where the goals will come from in place of Tim Cahill will no doubt have been simmered following Australia’s ruthless finishing in the Czech box. Additionally, Andrew Nabbout’s thumping finish might have Tomi Juric worried about his spot leading the line come the World Cup.

AUSTRALIA

Mathew Ryan 6 

Appears to still be adjusting to van Marwijk’s lack of desire to have his goalkeepers play out from the back, a style he was an advocate for under Ange. Did not have much to deal with in the first half but saved superbly late on to maintain a clean sheet.

Josh Risdon 7.5 

Confidently defended, preventing the more troubling Czech efforts with some last ditch defending. Caused issues with his crossing throughout the afternoon, a factor which resulted in Australia’s opener.

Mark Milligan 7 

Guilty of venturing out too far at times leaving his central partner in trouble, but his passing and combinations with Behich facilitated some of Australia’s best movements.

Trent Sainsbury 7 

Captain for the night and lead effectively through his actions and organisation of the defence. Displayed his superb capability of reading the game through much of his defensive effort. Although one moment of misjudgement towards the end of the first half nearly resulted in a Czech equaliser.

Aziz Behich 7 

Was a nuisance for the Czechs down his flank constantly, presenting himself as one of Australia’s best options in attack. Underwhelming crossing has been a facet of Behich’s game that has caused the ire of Australian fans in the past, as was continued against the Czechs.

Massimo Luongo 7 

Although he was largely praised as the best player for Australia against Colombia in March for his attacking influence, Luongo’s evening was largely kept to working to reclaim possession for his team, which he did admirably.

Aaron Mooy 7.5 

Played some exquisite passes around the pitch and was active in providing relief for his defenders through his support in tracking back.

Tom Rogic 6 

Effective through some nice touches and quick movement of the ball, which allowed the Socceroos to create opportunities. At times though, he over hit his passes and failed to best utilise his creativeness in the front third.

Robbie Kruse 7 

Impressive in his movement to get in behind the Czech defence, battling well with Jan Boril at right back. Played an excellent ball across to Leckie for Australia’s first goal.

Mathew Leckie 8 

Leckie was key to Australia’s most positive efforts offensively in the match, earning fouls, winning headers and providing an outlet for his teammates on his wing. He was well placed to receive Kruse’s ball in the box to tap in for the lead. Earned a brace following a devastating cut in and subsequent finish.

Andrew Nabbout 7.5 

It appeared in the first half of this fixture that Nabbout was going to be kept quiet up front, as he was in the Norway game. As the second half began, a more aggressive Nabbout persisted in hassling the Czech defence. Eventually, his desire resulted in forcing Tomas Kalas (recently promoted to the Premier League with Fulham) in to an error, clinically finishing across goalkeeper Tomas Koubek.

Substitutes 

Jamie Maclaren 6 

To the likely approval of many Socceroos fans, Maclaren was given a half hour to impress by van Marwijk. Despite clearly hungry for a goal, his teammates were ineffective in finding him.

Jackson Irvine 6 

Involved immediately following his replacing of Rogic as he attempted to tee up Jamie Maclaren for a maiden Socceroos goal, an effort which resulted in a Czech goal kick.

Dimitri Petratos 6 

Attempted to breach the lines to release Maclaren on two occasions but saw his effort prevented by a tiring Czech defence and through overhitting a pass. Lacked time to influence proceedings afterwards.

Milos Degenek N/A

Forced Czech debutant defender Jakub Jugas in to a terrible own goal, reminiscent of his Australian debut against England in 2016 where defender Eric Dier was forced in to a similar mistake.

Daniel Arzani N/A 

His official Australian debut was kept to only a few minutes on the pitch, but he was no doubt eager to impress.