The Socceroos looked well off the pace for most of the match and can thank some desperate defence and Holland's wastefulness in front of goal for ensuring a stalemate before 40,537 fans.

Chances at either end were scarce but the Dutch showed plenty of enterprise and some lovely passing football to get in behind the Australian defence on several occasions.

But the goal the visitors deserved never arrived, stretching Australia's undefeated record in friendlies against Holland to three games (two draws and a win).

It's the first time in 27 games the Oranje have been kept scoreless.

While happy with the result, Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek had good reason to leave the rain-soaked SFS with a worried look on his face.

Four days out from a critical Asian Cup qualifier against Oman, the hosts were sluggish and devoid of any real fluency against the world's third-ranked country.

With pre-match rain clearing just before kick-off, both sides started with in vogue 4-2-3-1 formations on the greasy surface.

Holland, wearing a predominantly blue strip instead of its traditional all-orange, started the better and had two strong chances inside the first 10 minutes.

Dirk Kuyt, a constant threat on the right, whipped in a cross for Klaas Jan Huntelaar to head over the bar eight minutes in.

It was an early warning sign for the Socceroos and one they did not immediately heed.

Two minutes later Eljero Elia's left-foot cross found Klaas Jan Huntelaar, who lost his marker but got under his header and watched it sail harmlessly over Mark Schwarzer's bar.

Australia had further cause for concern in the 16th minute, midfield hardman Vince Grella limping out of the game with a thigh injury.

Italian-based Carl Valeri was introduced to the game, Grella heading up the tunnel and is now in some doubt for Wednesday night's match against Oman.

While the Socceroos lacked fluency and precision, the Dutch continued to showcase their tremendous short passing game and movement off the ball, particularly around the Australian penalty box.

Defender Khalid Boulahrouz worked his way deep into the penalty area on 21 minutes and should have done better with his attempt on goal, blasting a near-post shot which found nothing but side netting.

Australia's one and only real chance of the first half fell to Brett Holman in the 24th minute, but while his long-range effort was on target, it lacked any power.

Stijn Schaars earned himself a yellow card for a shirt tug on Jason Culina in the 36th minute, a needless foul given Australia's lack of cohesion and potency on the ball.

The Dutch almost opened the scoring two minutes before the interval, Kuyt's angled near-post header from a corner flashing just over the bar and onto the roof of the net.

The visitors finished a dominant first half with nine shots on goal to the Socceroos' two, but without the lead to show for their endeavour and enterprise.

Australia made three changes to start the second half - Brett Emerton, Patrick Kisnorbo and Dario Vidosic coming on for Josh Kennedy, Craig Moore and Tim Cahill.

The Oranje replaced Kuyt with his Liverpool team-mate Ryan Babel.

The changes made no difference to the shape of the match, Holland continuing to press forward while experiencing few problems at the other end.

Elia forced a good save from Schwarzer down low to his left while Babel blasted wide and high after bringing the ball down on the edge of the box a few minutes later.

Valeri made his way into the referee's book after catching Sneijder in a late tackle which contained no malice.

Elia, switched to the right-hand side, started to make his presence felt as the Dutch continued to press.

His back-post cross just after the hour mark found Huntelaar's head, Luke Wilkshire blocking out the danger to maintain Australia's clean sheet.

Holland had 20 shots on goal without success but in the end were fortunate not to concede a late goal.

Holman found himself bearing down on the Dutch goal in the 88th minute after being set free by consecutive flicked-on headers.

In two minds whether to shoot or lay the ball back, the lively midfielder opted for the former and sprayed his shot well wide of the mark.